Plea Deal in Works for Alleged Pastor Rapist

A plea deal was in the works for a former pastor accused of raping a choir girl.

Joseph Jermaine Spencer, 26, a former pastor at , was accused of having sex with a 16-year-old, according to court records.

To read more about the case, .

He appeared in court today at the in French Valley, sitting in an orange prison uniform with his head held low, as the attorneys told Judge Kelly Hansen that they were working on a plea deal.

"It's always good to explore these possibilities before going to court," said Jeff Zimel, Spencer's attorney. "I'm hopeful."

If no deal is struck, the alleged victim will testify in September during a preliminary hearing, said prosecutor Julie Baldwin.

"If we're not able to resolve it (out of court), I would recommend on calling in the victim," she told the judge today.