Settlement Nears in Eddie Long Case

Bishop Eddie Long, the Georgia pastor accused of sexual misconduct by four young men, is close to reaching a settlement with his alleged victims, according to the judge in the case.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Judge Johnny Panos said while mediation has been difficult, a settlement could be reached within the next few days.

Attorneys for the Long and the four accusers -- Maurice Robinson, Jamal Parris, Anthony Flagg, and Spencer LeGrande -- could not be reached for comment, according to the newspaper.

Long, who heads the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., has vehemently denied allegations that he used his authority as a spiritual leader to force four former members of his church into having sexual relations with him.

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