8 YEARS IN ABUSE OF GIRLS

Newsday/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher

Vicente Elias Lopez, a 45 year old counselor at Living Waters Full Gospel Church, has beencharged with sexually abusing three young girls over the past several years. Lopez, of WalnutAvenue, East Quogue, has been indicted on charges of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering thewelfare of a child. He is accused of improperly touching three girls since 2000. If convicted, hefaces a maximum of 21 years in prison.

Each count of sexual abuse equates to two and one-third to seven years in prison, and one yearfor the three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Lopez, known as Brother Lopez by his followers, poses a flight risk, according to the DA'soffice, so bail was set at $25,000 cash or $150,000 bond. He was remanded to county jail to awaitsentencing.

Lopez was sentenced on April 4, 2005, to 8 years in prison.

(New York)