Louisiana pastor, Tony Spell, has absolutely refused to listen to state orders to stay at home. He not only has done that but he allows 100's of parishioners to attend most not wearing face masks or social distancing. Thus giving him a new charge for leading mass gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
He was recently charged with aggravated assault as well, for driving a church bus in reverse in the direction of a protestor landing him to be arrested.
According to CBS News:
Last Sunday, Spell drove a church bus in reverse in the direction of the sign-holding protester. Spell already faces misdemeanor charges for holding in-person church services despite the ban on gatherings.
Dozens of Spell's parishioners met him at the East Baton Rouge Parish prison, dressed in their Sunday best, arrived in church buses to show support. In a livestream from the church, images including photos from Spell's arrest, as well as information for a GoFundMe account to help with his legal costs, played over music being performed at the church
CBS affiliate WAFB-TV reported that a judge on Friday asked Spell if he'd comply with state orders that limit the number of people who can gather in one place at the same time.
Spell replied by quoting a Bible verse, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore said.
Moore said Spell remained silent when asked a second time. The judge interpreted Spell's silence to mean he would not comply with those state orders.
He has strongly stated that if the police were to come and take him away again his followers would stand their ground and not leave. He also has up to three pastors ready to take over his position if that were to happen to keep his church in a mass gathering.
As you may know, most churches are following orders respectively, and having online sessions.
