Search for religious cult leader focuses on Spokane

The suspected leader of a religious cult, charged with sexually abusing girls, might be hiding out in the Spokane area.

After an investigation that lasted more than three years, authorities in Pine County, Minnesota have charged Victor Barnard with 59 counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct involving two girls.

The charges result from evidence provided by two women who left the River Road Fellowship in the last several years, according to Pine County Sheriff’s chief deputy Steve Blackwell, including one woman who recorded dates of the sexual abuse.

The girls were referred to as “maidens” and became permanent residents of a section of the compound called Shepherd’s Camp, according to Blackwell.

“We found her very credible and we found a lot of the evidence that she brought forward is very credible and we began to take this investigation on,” said Blackwell. “Right about that time, the sect leader uprooted the whole group into the Washington state area.

A two-week search in the Spokane area in 2012 failed to locate Barnard.

“One of the Minnesota detectives came out, did a joint effort with our detectives and basically canvassed the area for residences, other potential victims,” said Washington State Patrol Lt. Shane Nelson.

A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for Barnard, 52, and Blackwell believes he might still be in the Spokane area, moving from house to house, protected by his followers.