TULSA, Okla. (AP) - A former Oklahoma church janitor charged with raping a 13-year-old girl has waived his right to a preliminary hearing, agreeing to let the case against him proceed.
Prosecutor Tim Harris says the girl was prepared to testify at a hearing Thursday in Tulsa. Instead, 20-year-old Chris Denman agreed to return to court Oct. 22 and enter a formal plea.
Denman faces life in prison on first-degree rape and forcible sodomy charges. He also is accused of lewd molestation.
Harris says there have been no plea bargain negotiations.
Denman was arrested Sept. 5 on charges of raping a 13-year-old girl and molesting a 15-year-old girl at Victory Christian Center. Police also say five other workers at the 17,000-member church waited two weeks before reporting the alleged rape.
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