James Coates, who preaches at GraceLife Church, has to pay the fine within 12 days. Group representing Alberta pastor jailed for breaking COVID-19 rules says he’s being released Coates has been in jail for 35 days for not following a condition of his original bail release that he not hold church services.He was charged after officials said the church violated public-health measures meant to help contain the spread of COVID-19.Champion has agreed to all but one charge against Coates being dropped.He is still charged under Alberta’s Public Health Act for holding services that allegedly broke a restriction on the size of gatherings, and a trial is to begin May 3..