Pedophile Cult Pastor Added To 15 Most Wanted By U.S. Marshals

Pedophile fugitive pastor from Minnesota sought by the U.S. Marshals Service.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

November 26, 2014

Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Marshals Service has added Victor Arden Barnard, 53, a self-proclaimed pastor who is wanted by the Pine County Sheriff's Office for 59 felony counts that includes sexual assault of teenage and underage girls in Pine City, Minnesota. Barnard was also charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, a federal offense. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Barnard's arrest.

The U.S. Marshals Service reported that in 2000, Barnard secured a large camp site near Finlayson, Minnesota, where he started River Road Fellowship, a church into which he recruited members from all over the country. He convinced several of his followers to allow their young daughters to live with him on the camp site. Barnard then allegedly created a separate housing area on the site and designated it as Shepherd's Camp, where he housed these young girls and referred to them as maidens.

From 2000 to 2009, Barnard allegedly sexually assaulted some of the girls living in Shepard's Camp. After some adult members began questioning his actions, Barnard moved his family and the church to the state of Washington. A number of his followers, including maidens, left with him.

Barnard was charged with the sexual assaults in April 2014, and has been a fugitive ever since. U.S. Marshals believe there is a chance he may have left the country, because he has strong ties to Spain. It is also believed Barnard continues to receive support from his followers and some of his young victims. 
"Given the nature of his charges, he poses a significant threat to the community," said Sharon Lubinski, U.S. Marshal of the District of Minnesota.