Chula Vista

An Illinois minister pleaded not guilty Tuesday in San Diego court to six child molestation charges involving a teen-age boy from Tijuana.

Rev. Lloyd Ray Davis, 56, who leads the Christian Fellowship Church based in Waukegan, Ill., was allowed to remain free on $25,000 bail.

Davis, who is facing trial March 16 in Illinois on two other cases, is accused of molesting a 14-year-old boy in Chula Vista in 1989 when he was there visiting a church associated with his ministry.

San Diego Municipal Judge Jay Bloom specified in conditions of Davis’ release that he have no contact with minors unless an adult, who is aware of the case, is present.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 11.

“He is prepared to clear his name in court,” said attorney Thomas Briscoe, one of three lawyers representing Davis.

In Illinois, Davis is charged with child molestation and perjury in a civil suit.

Another Davis attorney, Robert Will, told reporters afterward that the boy in the Chula Vista case lied about being molested.

“We believe, when it’s all over, (Davis) will be vindicated,” Will said.

Briscoe said Davis’s 750-member congregation in Waukegan is supporting him. Appearing in the audience was the minister’s wife, Hazel Davis.