By: Jennifer Bjorklund and Mary Harris
NBC Los Angeles

Kelvin McFarland is known to many in Pasadena as Sarge Mac — a passionate advocate for at-risk teens. Now McFarland sits in a jail cell accused of kidnapping. Monday afternoon was the start of a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. McFarland will return to court Tuesday.

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The courtroom was packed Monday with McFarland supporters, who also demonstrated outside the Pasadena Courthouse. Many of these supporters are families who have personal experiences with McFarland’s “Family 1st Growth Camp.”

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McFarland is accused of picking up a 14 year old girl who was cutting school – handcuffing her – bringing her to her aunt’s house and then demanding $100 from the Aunt to enroll the girl in his program.

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