Boy describes relationship with man in child porn ring trial
A boy under the guardianship of a former special education instructor accused of child molestation and running a child porn ring testified in court Monday.
The 13-year-old testified that he regularly shared a bed with 43-year old John David Yoder.
The boy said Yoder routinely kissed, cuddled, and once took a shower with him but that he perceived the behavior as entirely innocent and fatherly.
The testimony came during questioning by a prosecutor.
Yoder’s pleaded not guilty to 12 felony charges including lewd acts with a child and human trafficking of a child..
Prosecutors allege Yoder was a key figure in a child molestation and pornography ring that preyed on boys in the Coachella Valley.
The boy is scheduled to return to the stand Tuesday morning.
Also scheduled for Tuesday is the conclusion of testimony from Yoder’s adopted son.