Police charge Brazilian spiritual healer Prosecutors say they have formally brought their first charges against a Brazilian spiritual healer accused by hundreds of sex crimes

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Prosecutors say they have lodged their first charges against a Brazilian spiritual healer accused by hundreds of sex crimes.

The charge brought Thursday in the town of Abadiania accuses Joao Teixeira de Faria of sexual violation through fraud, though a judge has yet to confirm the charge.

Hundreds of people have accused the man known as John of God of sexual abuse or rape, and he surrendered to authorities on Sunday. Some of those coming forward say the crimes took place when they were children. They include his daughter

De Faria became an international celebrity from his base in rural Brazil.

Police say the investigations are complicated by the fact that many of the cases took place years ago. Current law gives victims six months to report cases of abuse.