The judge in the sexual misconduct case against Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church said he has not set a trial date, but that it could happen "maybe" in the fall.
Judge Johnny Panos told reporters last month that negotiations were nearing an end and an out-of-court settlement could be reached by Easter. That has not happened. The parties have been negotiating for months to reach an agreement. At times, Panos said the negotiations have been tense and some sessions have started one day and lasted until the early morning the next day.
Panos said at "some point in the very near future" the case will go to trial if it can not be settled.
"They all know my desire to resolve this case and all I can say is that I am extremely proud of their efforts to do so," he said.
The Lithonia pastor is being sued in DeKalb County State Court by four young men -- Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg and Spencer LeGrande -- who alleged he coerced them into having sexual relations using expensive trips and gifts. Also named in three of the four lawsuits is the LongFellows Youth Academy.
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