SANTA FE, N.M. —  The leader of an apocalyptic sect in northeastern New Mexico has been released from jail after his son posted his bond Friday, authorities said.

The clerk of the magistrate court in Clayton said a $55,000 bond was posted for Wayne Bent earlier Friday. Bent, who is accused of sex crimes against young female followers, was later released.

Bent, whose sect lives on a compound called Strong City in a remote area near the New Mexico-Colorado line, is charged with three counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

His first court appearance was Thursday, when his bond was lowered from $500,000 to $55,000.