Pastor Mark Rivers, 45, of New Life Ministry in Zwolle was arrested on Monday, January 14 on a charge of cruelty to juveniles.
The arrest came after a complaint filed with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office after the child was taken to a doctor.
Many were alarmed over the weekend after photos were posted online of some of the bruising on the child, and the doctor’s prognosis after a check. The post has since been taken down or hidden.
Rivers posted a bond of $2,000 on the cruelty charge and was released. He was also booked on a number of Many Police Department warrants for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, speeding, and no insurance. He paid the fines.