Religious leader accused of sexual abuse will not be freed, Sarasota judge says

Jan. 30--SARASOTA -- The 72-year-old religious leader who stands accused of sexually abusing children will not be getting out of jail any time soon after a judge declined to set bond for Henry Lee Porter.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, Porter went before Judge Charles Roberts on Thursday morning on two counts of sexual battery with a child under 12. Porter was arrested on Jan. 2.

The case against Porter continues as police believe there may be up to 40 victims whom Porter abused over decades.

Porter is the founder and president of the Evangelistic Association Inc., and ran the Westcoast Center for Human Development, an organization under the umbrella of Porter's association.

Police launched an investigation in October after being tipped off about a video on social media alleging the abuse and through the investigation, detectives learned there likely were more victims.

All of the victims were males between the ages of 10 to young adults when Porter sexually abused them, police say.

Porter was initially arrested for the one count on Jan. 2, but a second count was added on Jan. 13 after another victim came forward.

Sarasota police continue to ask for anyone victimized by Porter to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call Jeff Birdwell at 941-263-6028 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS.

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