02/02/2007

Associated Press

The case of a former pastor of a Sisters church charged with sexually abusing a 13-year-old baby sitter has gone to a jury.

Jeremy Hall, 35, acknowledged getting into bed with the teen and his two young children who were sleeping in his room in September 2005, but denied that he had abused the girl.

The girl's family attended Christ Church of New Beginnings, where Hall was pastor, said Deschutes County Deputy District Attorney Victoria Roe.

He was charged with sex abuse and unlawful sexual penetration.

In closing arguments Thursday, Roe said the girl told consistent versions of what happened to friends, her parents, two investigators, doctors and counselors.

After a night out with his girlfriend, Roe said, Hall came home drunk and made overtures toward the girl, putting his hand down the girl's pants and later getting into bed with the and fondling her again.

Hall's lawyer, John Halpern, said jurors should apply common sense.

"If this alleged groping and grabbing was happening, it would have been right in front of his daughter," Halpern said. "It defies common sense."

He said Hall's daughter testified that nothing happened.

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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com