A minister charged in the death of an autistic child during a prayer session has been ordered not to perform exorcisms as a condition of bail. Ray Hemphill was released on a $5,000 signature bond Wed-nesday after his initial appearance in Milwaukee County Circuit Court, meaning he did not have to post any money to get out of jail but would forfeit that amount if he violated bail conditions.
Hemphill, 45, was charged Tuesday with felony child abuse of Terrance Cottrell Jr., 8, who died during a prayer session Friday night at the Faith Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith.
Authorities said he had pinned the boy as he tried to release demons, and the child suffocated.
As a "strict condition" of bail, Court Commissioner John J. Valenti said Hemphill was not to "engage in or even attempt any sort of exorcism or spiritual healing."
Valenti said the case was "one of the most troubling cases ever to come before this court."
The commissioner said that that no matter how well-intentioned Hemphill was, the court cannot ignore that his actions may have led to the boy's death.
Valenti reviewed the complaint and found probable cause to hold Hemphill for further court proceedings. A preliminary hearing was set for Sept. 8.
James Frisch, the prosecutor handling the appearance, said Hemphill has substantial ties to the community, no prior record and is not considered to be a flight risk.
Hemphill left without answering reporters' questions.
He was accompanied in court by Jeff Carpenter, the public defender handling intake appearances in the court Wednesday.