Free on bond: Cobb pastor accused of raping 10-year-old girl
A Smyrna pastor accused of raping a 10-year-old girl at the homeless shelter run by his ministry was released from Cobb County jail the same day a judge gave him a $100,000 bond.
Cobb County Magistrate Judge Joyette M. Holmes handed Danny Wells the bond at an afternoon hearing for his charges of rape and aggravated child molestation.
The judge also transferred the case to Cobb Superior Court, which means she found there was probable cause for the charges.
"Our office is reviewing the case for possible indictment," said Kimberly Isaza, spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
The girl, now 14, told detectives she was abused in her bed at The Garden, 2840 Plant Atkinson Road, the night after Christmas 2012. Wells was arrested in September.
According to the shelter's website, The Garden shelters 105 women and children, and has a program for 25 men who "have all been rescued from the streets."
Wells founded the 7 Bridges to Recovery ministry and is known as "Pastor 7."
The church was not immediately available by phone or email Thursday.
"We firmly believe this is a false accusation and are praying that the truth will prevail," the church said in a statement on its website.
Police believe there could be more victims. Anyone with information can contact Cobb's Crimes Against Children’s Unit at 770-801-3470.
About the Author
Ben Brasch is the reporter tasked with keeping Fulton County government accountable. The Florida native moved to Atlanta for a job with The AJC. If there's something important to you going on in Fulton, he wants to know about it. Help him better metro Atlanta by dropping a line, anonymously or otherwise.
