GLENDALE : Bail Cut for Pastor Held in Molestation

A Glendale Municipal Court judge received statements from Pasadena’s mayor and police chief before agreeing Tuesday to reduce bail for a Pasadena pastor accused of sexually molesting a 15-year-old girl.

The Rev. George Nathan Bolden Jr.’s bond was lowered from $112,500 to $30,000. Judge Joseph DeVanon also ordered Bolden, head minister at First African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, to stay away from all minors once he posts bail.

Bolden, an Altadena resident, faces seven felony counts--three of lewd acts with a child, two of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, one of attempted unlawful sexual intercourse and one of oral copulation--after his July 27 arrest. Investigators say the molestations occurred at the victim’s Glendale home May 14, May 26 and June 21.

Defense attorney Terrence J. Bennett declined to comment on the charges after Tuesday’s hearing. The minister remained in custody Tuesday afternoon at Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael J. O’Gara said prosecutors want Bolden in custody for fear that he might intimidate the girl, her mother and other possible witnesses.

Those who testified about Bolden’s good character and standing within the community included Bolden’s wife of three years, a friend who is also a pastor and Pasadena Mayor Rick Cole.

DeVanon also acknowledged that he received a letter from Pasadena Police Chief Jerry A. Oliver, who supported a lower bail or Bolden’s release on his own recognizance.

A preliminary hearing was set Sept. 20. If convicted, Bolden could be sentenced to up to six years in prison.