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Judge Dismisses Charges in Exorcism Case

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Charges brought against an East Tennessee pastor over an alleged assault during an exorcism have been dropped.

The Knoxville News Sentinel (http://bit.ly/1iWmbSB) reports Sevier County General Sessions Judge Ben Strand dismissed assault and false imprisonment charges against pastors Joel and Teresa Arwood of the Family Chapel Church of God in Pigeon Forge.

The Arwoods were charged after Andrew Byrd said he suffered cracked teeth, a lost crown a torn leg muscle during the Feb. 21, 2012 exorcism.

The judge's decision on Wednesday came after he heard differing testimony about what happened that night at the church.

Byrd said a lawsuit against the Arwoods and the church would proceed.