SAN DIEGO -- It's hard to say what kind of church or what kind of religion Carlos Romero ran, but prosecutors say he preyed on some of San Diego's most vulnerable residents by using faith and fear.

Religion is taking center stage in the case against the self-proclaimed minister. Prosecutor Patrick Espinosa said Romero coerced at least three women in his "congregation" into having sex in exchange for protection from the devil.

"He taught about the Bible and the text in the Bible, so I trusted him," said one of Romero's victims.

That victim testified that she and others met with Romero and his wife in their home twice a week to study the word of God. She said last January, Romero told her she was inhabited by the devil.

"What was your reaction when Mr. Romero told you the devil had attacked you?" Espinosa asked the victim.

"I went into a trauma. I cried a lot because I was scared of that part," the victim said.

She said Romero claimed to be following the orders of Jesus Christ when he offered her protection through sex. Eventually she met him for sex six times in parking lots, his car and at shopping malls.

"I had to please him in everything he said," the victim said.

Defense attorney Chip Venie said the case is "beyond silly" and will argue that these women had sex with his client willingly.

According to 10News, the case is focusing on fraud and how the women believe what Romero said put them in fear of physical injury or death.

The defense believes -- in this case-- these questions are better left to theologians and not a judge and jury.