Controversial pastor appears in Big Stone District Court on kidnapping and assault charges
WHEATON - A Wheaton pastor whose ministry has been at the center of controversy appeared in court Wednesday on kidnapping and assault charges.
Danny Barnes, 52, pleaded not guilty to the charges in Big Stone County District Court in Ortonville, Minn.
Barnes, who calls himself bishop of a ministry called Thy Kingdom Come, is charged with kidnapping, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and third-degree assault resulting in substantial bodily harm.
Court records say:
On June 22, Barnes and others associated with his ministry forced their way into a home in Beardsley, Minn.
They are accused of assaulting at least one of the occupants of the home and taking one man against his will. Court records say Barnes threatened the residents with a gun.
Barnes has posted $40,000 bond and will make his next court appearance on July 22.
On Wednesday, Barnes said "nobody was kidnapped" and said he has not held a firearm in more than 20 years.
Barnes, a former career criminal who established his ministry in 1991, brings drug and alcohol addicts to his faith-based treatment in Wheaton.
Barnes served under the Pentecostal Church of God for 2½ years until he was asked to surrender his license.
