Expert, former cult member testify in DeKalb County trial of alleged cult leader accused of rape

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A witness who specializes in the study of cults testified Friday in the trial of an accused cult leader who allegedly raped a follower when she attempted to leave the group in 2022.

Eligio Bishop, 40, is also known as “Natureboy,” and leader of a group called the Carbon Nation.

He is accused of attacking a 22-year-old woman at a house in DeKalb County and posting sexually explicit videos online without the woman’s consent.

Channel 2 Action News has been following the case all week beginning with jury selection.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Prosecution witness Rick Ross told jurors he has helped rescue hundreds of people from dangerous and destructive cults.

After studying online videos and teachings of Bishop, he testified the defendant had the characteristic traits of a domineering cult leader.

“His general lack of accountability, so I would say that fits the profile of a destructive cult leader,” said Ross.

RELATED STORIES:

• Late-night raid lands DeKalb man in jail on rape, imprisonment charges; neighbors claim he ran cult
• Bond denied for alleged cult leader facing rape, false imprisonment charges in DeKalb
• Alleged cult leader known as ‘Nature Boy’ heading to trial on rape charges in DeKalb County
• Accused cult leader “Nature Boy” on trial in DeKalb County, faces 5 charges including rape
• “Nobody said no to the king:” Rape trial of alleged cult leader continues in DeKalb Co. courtroom

A defense lawyer questioned Ross’s qualifications as a cult expert, citing to jurors during cross-examination that he only has a high school education, nor any advanced degrees in psychiatry, psychology or sociology.

Jurors also heard from a former member of the cult. Courtney Townsend said he joined Bishop’s group when it was based at a compound in Mexico. He said what he first believed was a trip to paradise soon changed.

A prosecutor asked Townsend if folks in the group were able to say no to Mr. Bishop.

“The option was to leave or agree,” said Townsend.

“What would happen if someone upset or angered Mr. Bishop?” said the prosecutor.

“I would say there would be emotional abuse there,” said Townsend.

Bishop is charged with rape, false imprisonment and sharing sexually explicit electronic transmissions. He could face life in prison if convicted. He has turned down a plea agreement that would have reduced the charges against him.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

‘Adrenaline is still running:’ Family escapes after basement fire spreads through Buckhead mansion

©2023 Cox Media Group