Self-professed Minnesota minister now on Most Wanted list

Forum News Service/November 26, 2014

Finlayson, Minnesota -- The former leader of a religious sect in northern Pine County has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service's 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list, intensifying the nationwide search for the man wanted on sexual assault charges.

Victor Arden Barnard, 53, has eluded law enforcement since he was charged in April with 59 crimes related to the sexual abuse of girls who lived at his River Road Fellowship camp near Finlayson, a small town just off Interstate 35 southwest of Duluth.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading directly to Barnard's arrest.

"The malicious crimes allegedly committed by Victor Barnard make him a significant threat to the community," U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton said in a news release. "The women and men of the U.S. Marshals are committed to locating and apprehending this vile fugitive so that he can finally face justice."

From 2000 to 2009, Barnard allegedly sexually assaulted numerous girls, who he called "maidens" and who lived away from their parents in an area of the encampment known as "Shepard's Camp." In 2009, the Pine County settlement was abandoned, and Barnard and some of his supporters moved to Washington state.

The Marshals Service said Barnard has strong ties to Spain, and it's believed he may have fled the country. It's also believed that he continues to receive support from his followers and some of his young victims.

"Given the nature of his charges, he poses a significant threat to our community," said Sharon Lubinski, U.S. Marshal for the District of Minnesota.

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