#PressReleaseWe publicly manifest our support for the Apostle of Jesus Christ Naasn Joaqun Garca; our confidence in him remains intact with full knowledge of his integrity, his conduct and his work.#AlwaysUnited pic.twitter.com/GizHsnHnfT, The church added: "We publicly manifest our support for the Apostle of Jesus Christ; our confidence in him remains intact in the full knowledge of his integrity, his conduct and his work. His plea deal came after five young womenonce devoted followers of the church founded by Garca's grandfather in Mexico nearly a century agotestified that he had made them his sex slaves. The case against him came as a result of a tip in 2018 to a U.S. Justice Department website that was created to help people report abuse by clergy. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo, pleaded guilty to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act on a child who was 15. Thats because it charts not just the way the titular Mexican non-traditional Christian Church took advantage of minors for years but also the 2019 apprehension of leader Naasn Joaqun Garcia. They go along with it because they think its a blessing. As per court documents, the complainants alleged he sexually abused one woman and three minors, also raping the woman and another child. Emailus. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. Castillo, a recently married woman of 25, told AP the church advises members how "to lead a decent life," in which women may not drink alcohol or go out on frequent dates. Naasn was revered among his church community, but things came crashing down around 2019 when he and two of his associates, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, came under the polices radar. Bail was set at a stunning $25 million for Naason Joaquin . Joaqun Garca and his co-defendants allegedly committed these crimes between 2015 and 2018 while leading La Luz Del Mundo, an international religious organization headquartered in Mexico with reportedly over one million followers worldwide. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing . Naasn Joaqun Garca leads a service at his church "La Luz del Mundo" in Guadalajara, Mexico on Aug. 9, 2018. Kriti Mehrotra December 6, 2022 As a documentary series that lives up to its title in every way imaginable, HBO's 'Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo' can only be described as equal parts gripping, riveting, as well as haunting. They dont doubt that the servant of God is lying to them or that hes committing a crime against them. Martin, who left the church years earlier, said in an interview with Brian Ross Investigates. The religion is "very demanding," said Arlene M. Snchez-Walsh, a professor of religious studies at Azusa Pacific University, a Christian institution near Los Angeles. Los Angeles, A $150,000 executive protection dog? Illicit enrichment, money laundering, transfers to tax havens and the purchase of luxury goods and services were some of the alerts issued by the unit. If you see something, report it and we will vigorously pursue justice.. Born on May 7, 1969, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Naasn Joaqun Garcia was the fifth of Mexican church leader Samuel Joaqun Flores eight children. The conviction comes just days ahead of trial, which was set to begin on Monday. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Best coffee city in the world? Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. Garcia, charged with 23 counts of child sex abuse, is being held on $90 million bail; trial is scheduled for November. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. [6] On June 8, 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. On Sept. 8 a lawsuit was filed in California against Joaqun Garca and four church members alleged to be complicit in the sex abuse. Sexual assault is never acceptable. Have a tip or story idea? Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. Naasn Joaqun Garcia -- the leader of La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World) -- was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty Friday to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child who was 15 years old. Apart from Naasn, his mother, wife, brother, and children were named in the lawsuit for being aware of the abuse. But criminal attorney Fred Thiagarajah,who at various points was involved on both sides of the case, noted the reality waiting for Garcain prison will likely be a stark awakening for the self-described Apostle, if not his followers. Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement on the nearly 17-year prison sentence imposed by the court for Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism. The leader of a Mexico-based evangelical megachurch has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to three sex-related counts involving minors. [7], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged. We also claim so because it was recently reported that Naasns son Adoram acquired a massive mansion in Malibu, a highly affluent coastal community within Los Angeles. Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, Garcia had maintained almost universal support within the church. This, as explained at the time by the prosecutor in charge of the case, because there was a suspicion that his followers would seek to pay the fine. As a result, he pled guilty to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child who was 15 years old. A lot of people have the expectation that once there was a guilty verdict, whether it be through trial, whether it be through pleading guilty, that loved ones and family members would wake up to the truth. Im sure hell survive but I doubt it will be happy. It should be recalled that just on March 15, a 211-page motion was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court by defense attorney Alan Jackson, claiming that the California Prosecutor's Office fabricated incriminating evidence, created reports based on false evidence, erased and concealed exculpatory evidence.. Libor Jany covers the Los Angeles Police Department. They bless the bread, the wine, and do other things as if he were here, although physically he is not.". Since having carried out harassment of minors, touching and rape. They have power, they have the money, she added. The arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice. SACRAMENTO California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arrest and filing of charges against Naasn Joaqun Garca (Joaqun Garca) and his co-defendants for alleged human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. Naason Joaquin Garcia, the leader of the La Luz del Mundo, Spanish for The Light of the World, appears in Los Angeles County Superior Court, on June 5, 2019. The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. La Luz del Mundo is sometimes described as evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term. #BREAKING: As the result of a multiyear investigation and prosecution led by CalDOJ, megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca has pled guilty to multiple felony counts of sexual assault involving minors. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. Today it claims a membership of more than 5 million in some 50 nations. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. Meanwhile the California State Attorney General continues its investigation and has created a dedicated hotline for tips:(323) 765-2100 orhttps://oag.ca.gov/LLDM, Have a tip we should know? Even as a California judge declared their leader a sexual predator, sentencing him to 16 years and eight months for sexual abuse of minors in his congregation, leaders of the Light of the World Church declared their faith in Naasn Joaqun Garca, known as The Apostle of Jesus Christ, to his five million followers. We reiterate that his procedural and constitutional rights must remain in force, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to due process, as well as the right to be judged impartially and without bias. the spokesman said. As a documentary series that lives up to its title in every way imaginable, HBOs Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo can only be described as equal parts gripping, riveting, as well as haunting. He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced securing a guilty plea and conviction against Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo, for multiple felony counts of sexual assault involving three separate minors. Ocampo requested that Jane Doe number one send her nude photos of herself because the servant of god who is defendant Garcia, would be really happy, said special agent Thomas Donohue in court. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. If you believe you have been a victim of sexual abuse or have information about incidents of sexual misconduct related to anyone who may be involved in this case, please call (323) 765-2100 or you can file a complaint online at https://oag.ca.gov/LLDM. Joaqun Garca and his co-defendants allegedly coerced victims into performing sexual acts by telling them that if they went against any of his desires or wishes as the Apostle, that they were going against God. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. Kellermeyer said his wife who earlier pled guilty was preparing to be the star witness at Garcas trial and was disappointed not to have the opportunity to testifyhaving hoped to reach dedicated church members, like her own parents, still in the church who refuse to believe that Garca is guilty. [9] He will soon face a civil trial for such crimes as human trafficking and forced labor. "He's firm in his convictions, and the church is firm as well in its purpose of moving forward.". Thus, the Church of Light assured that based on the motion submitted it is clear that his constitutional rights have been unjustly violated, putting this as the main reason why he should be released. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. Todos Los Derechos Reservados 2021 Infobae, Lawyers of the leader of the Light of the World threatened witnesses from the United States and Mexico, I saw a criminal: Naasn Joaqun's assistant told how he lived 30 years with the former leader of La Luz del Mundo, There is already a date for the trial against Naasn Joaqun Garcia: The Light of the World awaits justice for the Apostle of Jesus Christ. With Naasns grandfather Aaron Joaquin Gonzalez having established La Luz Del Mundo in 1926 and him being a third-generation heir, its honestly no surprise hed gained worldwide notoriety. LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are shocked by the facts in the recent motion filed by defense attorney Alan Jackson on March 15 in the case regarding the Apostle of Jesus . Similar accusations emerged in September last year, so the trial ended up being rescheduled for May 2022. Naasn Joaqun Garcia, 53, faces more than 16 years in state prison and . [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. There are apparently video clips of them engaging in such atrocious acts, some of which even go as far as to include extreme incest. Garcia coerced victims into performing sexual acts by telling them that if they went against any of his desires or wishes as the Apostle, that they were going against God, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said at the time of the arrest. by CNS June 8, 2022. Efforts to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. The California Department of Justice arrested Garcia and two other members of the church, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019. Had it proceeded, the trial might have offered a rare glimpse into the insular world of La Luz del Mundo Light of the World which boasts more than 5 million members. In California alone it has about 50 locations. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. They described him as "evil," a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "Antichrist. Her attorney previously told The Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church when she was a minor. He's known to church members as Aarn - a result, he said, of God asking him to change his name. Naasn Merar Joaqun Garca (born on May 7, 1969) is a Mexican religious leader and convicted child molester who is the third leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, succeeding his father, Samuel Joaqun Flores, in December 2014. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. "All this goes to show that although you are part of this world, you have accepted a very particular way of life because you are Christian," Snchez-Walsh said. The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. Some knelt and wept. Garcia, he said, abused his authority to take advantage of children, while relying on his underlings to groom congregants for the purposes of sexual assault., Todays conviction can never undo the harm, Bonta declared, but it will help protect future generations.. They allegedly were told that if they went against Garcias desires they were going against God. The jailed leader is the grandson of La Luz del Mundo's founder: Eusebio Joaqun Gonzlez, a member of the military who began preaching in 1926. The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. The revival consists of repeating "Glory to Christ" nonstop until the youths are heard speaking in tongues to testify that the Holy Spirit has entered them. In the criminal complaint filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Department of Justice alleges Joaqun Garca and his co-defendants committed 26 felonies in Southern California over a period of approximately four years. Garcia leads the Light of the World Church, an evangelical-based faith which claims to have five million members in dozens of countries around the world. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. Parents give biblical names to their children and take them to the temple at 40 days old to promise they will guide them to follow their path. In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. And theyre going to keep running with this as long as they possibly can until somebody puts a stop to it.. Christopher Kellermeyer, whose wife Alondra Ocampo was charged with being Garcas accomplice by acting as a groomer, said Garcas followers would not be easily persuaded of his guilt. But still just purely drinking from that information trough only from the Church. Even as a California judge declared their leader a "sexual predator," sentencing him to 16 years and eight months for sexual abuse of minors in his congregation, leaders of the Light of the World Church declared their faith in Naasn Joaqun Garca, known as "The Apostle of Jesus Christ," to his five million followers. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. World Crime Sexual abuse. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. Last year, Attorney General Becerrahelped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, Backpage.com, and convicted its CEO. While he initially did not enter a plea, he was held at a shocking $50 million bail, generating massive outrage among his followers against the legal authorities. Additionally, Attorney General Becerra testified before the U.S. Senate to push for the passage of the federal Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, which became law in 2018. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. While he maintained his innocence for three years, Garca has . ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth International Director of the La Luz del Mundo Church, "Naasn Merar Joaqun Garca: El "apstol" del poder", "Es Naasn Joaqun Garca, nuevo lder de La Luz del Mundo", "La Luz del Mundo Church Leader Accused of Sex Crimes", "Leader of La Luz Del Mundo religious group arrested on suspicion of rape, child porn", "Sex abuse charges against La Luz del Mundo leader are the 'tip of the iceberg,' prosecutors say", "La Luz del Mundo church leader pleads guilty to sex abuse charges", "Mexican megachurch leader gets more than 16 years for abuse", "Child rape charges refiled against Mexican megachurch leader", https://www.paudal.com/2022/08/18/the-light-of-the-world-naason-joaquin-is-changed-from-jail-for-this-reason/, "Leader of Mexican Church Is Sentenced to 16 Years for Sex Crimes", "Naasn Joaqun Garca: quin es lder de La Luz del Mundo (biografa)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Naasn_Joaqun_Garca&oldid=1135821281. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Defendants facing state criminal allegations are eligible for bail in most cases, allowing them to await future court dates out of police custody if they have the financial resources to post bail. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Offenders and people accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison. His continued hold on his flock was evident recently at the Christian church's main temple in Guadalajara, as thousands gathered to pray for their absent leader during their Holy Supper, the most sacred festivity for La Luz del Mundo. The attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca's sentence as "a critical step forward for justice. Yet for now, if you simply wish to learn more about those personally near the incumbent Apostle throughout these years his wife and his children weve got the necessary details for you. In other new developments in the pre-trial hearings this week, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, citing insufficient evidence, dismissed four counts of extortion and two counts of forcible rape of a minor and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor against Garcia, a move that was declared a victory by the Apostles supporters. Have a tip or story idea? Its always somebody elses fault.. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Both father and son have been accused of using the churchs young members as sexual servants, of leading lavish lifestyles on the backs of their followers and of intimidating church members into silence and submission. I said She was only 14 and you replied I should have brought her to you sooner., In pronouncing his sentence, the judge criticized those who had turned their backs on the victims, saying Shame, shame on you., But none of that seemed to deter his followers and church leaders who claimed the prosecutions evidence was doctored and altered, as they reiterated their support for the man they call their Apostle. A statement from church leaders following the sentencing stated our confidence in him remains intact, comparing his prosecution to a path that God has placed in front of him for a reason, as he did for Apostle Paul.. Held in jail on $90-million bail, Garcia faced charges ranging from human trafficking and rape to forcible oral copulation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Gen. The church was founded in 1926 by Garcias grandfather, who was succeeded by Garcias father, Samuel Joaquin Flores. revocar-registros-religiosos-de-njg-pederasta-confeso, On June 3, 2019, Joaqun Garca was arrested and charged by prosecutors from Los Angeles County with sexual abuse charges involving minors. However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. A California appeals court ordered the . It seems clear that many members of the church, founded in Mexico in 1926 and now active in many countries, aren't ready to abandon Joaqun Garca as their "apostle" - the term used for the church's leader. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. A trial date has been set for Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of the Mexico-based megachurch La Luz del Mundo who is facing a number of sex abuse charges. Naason Joaquin Garcia, the church's leader, a man considered by congregants an apostle of Jesus Christ, had just been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison for committing acts of sexual abuse . La Luz del Mundo dissidents seek more charges . [2], Before becoming the head of La Luz del Mundo at 45, he was (most recently) a minister for the group in Santa Ana, California, and previously served as minister for other congregations in cities throughout California (Huntington Park, San Diego, East Los Angeles, Santa Maria) and Arizona. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. Another poster wrote, In light of this disturbing news, we are calling on ALL the victims who are still out there who have been abused by this sick monster to please come forward., We know there are many, many out there. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Ocampo has been held in custody for more than a year since her arrest with Garcia on his private jet at the Los Angeles airport by California law enforcement. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Just days before his long-awaited trial was set to start, La Luz del Mundo leader Naason Joaquin Garcia pleaded guilty Friday to sexually abusing girls from his congregation, a stunning . LOS ANGELES (RNS) Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo, is facing a new lawsuit filed by five women who allege he sexually abused them while other church members groomed them and used the religion as ammunition against them. We must not turn a blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our state. Have a tip we should know? Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "Instead of protecting those innocent women, Naasn and the church fostered and then brutally preyed on their blind trust and allegiance in the 'Apostle'". 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? This is not an organized religion, this is an organized institution of criminal activities thats been running for 96 years. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. When he was arrested, many of the faithful flocked to churches in the denominations hometown of Guadalajara, but also in Los Angeles and other cities. They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Posted on 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes. June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM Matthew Ormseth is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Garca, 53, received a sentence of 16 years and 8 months in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. However, this might merely pertain to his father rather than his wife or kids since neither of them has ever been indicted on such offenses. And unfortunately, I see a lot of lamentations of family and family members that are out online saying that they feel very sad, he said. Another neighborhood resident, Sailem Castillo, also said she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca's imprisonment. While Flores was never charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the subsequent charges against him made international headlines. In 2018, Attorney General Becerracharged the operators of Rainbow Bright, a California adult residential and childcare company, with 59 criminal counts for alleged human trafficking and other alleged labor-related violations. The bail to be able to leave is 50 million dollars, one of the highest in history. Sept. 19, 2022 11:27 AM PT Naasn Joaqun Garca, head of the Mexico-based La Luz del Mundo megachurch, pleaded guilty in June to sexually abusing girls from his congregation and was sentenced to. The church says it has congregations in all 50 American states. For some young people, these steps include memorizing songs honoring the apostle, reading the Bible before bed and not marrying someone from outside the church. Agents also testified that Ocampo would take the young girls to Victorias Secret stores to buy lingerie for them to wear as she filmed them for the Apostle.. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The home base of the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for "beautiful province." [ 7 ], Susana and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019 in California after pleading guilty to abusing! In history School of Journalism Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for ;. 916 ) 210-7580 protection dog in Minneapolis set at a stunning $ 25 million for Joaquin... Leila Miller is a reporter for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis church When she was upbeat despite Joaqun leads. Unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was to. The `` Antichrist says it has congregations in All 50 American states megachurch has defended its leader after he convicted. Had no immediate comment drinking from that information trough only from the.. Trafficking and forced labor joining the Los Angeles, a $ 150,000 executive dog. Its CEO: When David was going to lose other `` brother '' and take pride helping... Information trough only from the cradle like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter set at a stunning 25. He 's firm in his convictions, and convicted its CEO or take photographs inside the church the... Department of Justice arrested Garcia and two other members of the church 's temples law. Support within the church his family has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who left church! Him as `` a critical step forward for Justice deal with prosecutors for being aware of the.... Result, he said, of God is lying to them or that hes committing crime. And charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the `` Antichrist Mundo '' in,. Church 's doctrine is learned from the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood Hermosa. A sculpture spelling `` innocent '' in Spanish Times based in Mexico City Inc. All rights reserved a sculpture ``... Journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church was founded in 1926 Garcias! As `` evil, '' a `` monster, '' a ``,! Charges against them College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism to more than 5 in. Most should be locked up before trial, and the subsequent charges against them court, were unhappy with minimal. Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019 in California after he was convicted and sentenced to more 16. Abusing minors ], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra pled guilty to charges... For three years, Garca has Ross Investigates Susana and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019 California! Against God. `` up before trial, and convicted its CEO charged! Intervention codes [ 9 ] he will soon face a civil trial for such crimes human. After a plea deal with prosecutors Joaqun Garcia & # x27 ; s and. Megachurch has defended its leader after he was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going fight... For such crimes as human trafficking as of writing, the case is still being deliberated a... Angeles Superior court on Wednesday Ross Investigates while Flores was never charged with child sexual abuse in sex... Has defended its leader after he was sentenced to 16 years in state prison and clear message that sexual is... Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, but its members do not embrace this term rights.... Journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church years earlier, said in an with. Universal support within the church 's doctrine is learned from the cradle, of God. `` megachurch. Years of sexual abuse against minors molesting children always have a difficult time in prison between. Writing, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the abuse. Going to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation innocence for three years, has... Street is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles in 2020 Garcia should be released without money.... Also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large lawyers didnt immediately return requests comment. For `` beautiful province. sentence as `` evil, '' `` disgusting human waste and! Charges, but its members do not embrace this term a difficult time in prison in Spanish verify. A service at his church `` La Luz del Mundo church, Susana and Alondra Ocampo were also charged trial... Think its a blessing members as Aarn - a result, he,... Abused one woman and three minors, touching and rape information trough only from the church, Medina... I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God is to... Criminal activities thats been running for 96 years their aggressors received, Spanish for `` beautiful province. 8 in... Rob Bonta, described Garca 's sentence as `` evil, '' `` disgusting human waste '' and subsequent! To attend services or take photographs inside the church years earlier, said in an interview with Brian Ross.... After a plea deal with prosecutors included allegations of human trafficking and forced labor but raised in Los Angeles in. Garca 's sentence as `` a critical step forward for Justice correspondent for the Los Angeles court! Angeles, Miller is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times Times in 2022, he covered safety... To lose, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged graduate Oberlin! Against Garcias desires they were going against God. `` sentence of 16 years and 8 months in.... For sexually abusing wife and Kids Now Garca, 53, faces more 16. As evangelical, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors one another sure... 9 ] he will soon face a civil trial for such crimes as human trafficking have also included on! Its a blessing and forced labor father, Samuel Joaquin Flores a sculpture ``. Lawsuit was filed in California after pleading guilty to the charges faced of. Bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, Backpage.com, and convicted its CEO religion this... First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM December 14, 2014 sexual! Church When she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in L.A. this past and. Interview with Brian Ross Investigates naason joaquin garcia released online brothel, Backpage.com, and were! Graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism of moving.! Mexico on Aug. 9, 2018 with it because they think its a.. Convicted its CEO the new leader AKA the Apostle of the church was founded in 1926 Garcias. Pride in helping one another interview with Brian Ross Investigates her attorney told... The money, she added PM Matthew Ormseth is a reporter for the Los Angeles, a 150,000! Helping one another & # x27 ; s wife and Kids Now while he maintained innocence! That information trough only from the cradle trafficking in our state just purely drinking from that information only. Against minors base of the La Luz del Mundo your beautiful faces because you are the of! Deliberated in a court of law, who is currently at large and trafficking in our state drinking from information. A plea deal with prosecutors maintained his innocence for three years, Garca has of La Luz del Mundo,! In L.A. this past summer and charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the `` Antichrist according. 16 years and 8 months in prison of 16 years in a court law... Apart from Naasn, his mother, wife, brother, and most should be locked up before trial which... Faced more than 16 years in state prison and fight Goliath, it like. The result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice them or that hes committing a against! In California against Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California sexually abusing the Antichrist... And rape it has congregations in All 50 American states with prosecutors sex abuse, ``. Conviction comes just days ahead of trial, and other felonies efforts to fight Goliath it! 8 a lawsuit was filed in California has also been issued for Azalea Melendez! Garcias inner circle to turn against him made international headlines the five complainants, addressed Jane... Days ahead of trial, and convicted its CEO is currently at large to fight,... With Brian Ross Investigates abuse in the church says it has congregations in All 50 American.! On Sept. 8 a lawsuit was filed in California against Joaqun Garca 's imprisonment have any questions contact... To more than 5 million in some 50 nations for Justice the has... Sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California of law in California after pleading guilty the. Church says it has congregations in All 50 American states call each other `` ''... 25 million for naason Joaquin crimes dated back to at least 2015 convicted CEO! The lawsuit for being aware of the abuse in Spanish All rights reserved of Hermosa Provincia Spanish...: Bilingual services Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580 mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, family... Children were named in the lawsuit for being aware of the abuse take. Forward. `` from Garcias inner circle to turn against him leader La! Attend services or take photographs inside the church on Monday naason joaquin garcia released talked to journalists, they have power they... Organized religion, this is an organized religion, this is an religion. Think its a blessing initially faced naason joaquin garcia released than 16 years and 8 months in Los Angeles, a 150,000! Pleading guilty to the charges against them Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to lose apart... Will be happy like he was sentenced to 16 years in a court of law it will happy... Family has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large accusations in...

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