Fugitive Cult Leader To Be Extradited From Brazil To Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Brazilian authorities have approved the extradition of an alleged fugitive cult leader back to Minnesota.

The Pine County Attorney's office said that Victor Barnard faces multiple charges of criminal sexual conduct. He was captured in Brazil over a year ago.

Authorities say Barnard led the River Road Fellowship in rural Pine County, but moved with the group and his family to Washington State after being investigated for sexual abuse allegations.

Barnard faces 59 counts of criminal sexual conduct involving two underage girls, who were members of his "Maidens Group," between 2000 and 2012.

At the time of his arrest, Pine County authorities said they believed Barnard may have had more victims.