It accuses Joaqun Garca of conditioning victims, under the guise of religion, to serve him above all else, ultimately resulting in the sexual abuse over the course of several years. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Originally facing 36 charges, Garcia at the last minute took a plea deal that called for him to admit to three counts, the state attorney generals office announced Friday: two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child who was 15 years old. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Another codefendant, Susana Medina Oaxaca, who was Garcias former assistant, pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of assault likely to cause great bodily injury, Bontas office said. Bail was set at a stunning $25 million for Naason Joaquin . It is Mexicos largest evangelical church and has branches in 50 countries, including churches in East and West Los Angeles. We must not turn a blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our state. [10] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico. Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? One commenter speculated about whether the terms of the plea deal might call for Garcia to out other alleged abusers in the church. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Efforts to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation. March 21, 2022 17:02 ET | Source: The Light of the World. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors After several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. Many news outlets in Mexico featured Garcias guilty plea on their homepages Friday evening, including the online website Animal Politico and newspaper El Universal. This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. The conviction comes just days ahead of trial, which was set to begin on Monday. 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. 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. A fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. "You have to follow certain steps to prove your loyalty.". They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. Church member Alondra Ocampo was expected to testify against him. Damian Dovarganes / AP The. 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. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. The alleged crimes committed by Garcia occurred between 2015 and 2019. So, if youre interested in finding out about Naasns current whereabouts and how he was apprehended, heres what we know about the same! And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. 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. She said she does not think the plea deal will result in a total crisis for the institution.. 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. Martin, a former church member, told the Law&Crime Network how she was then coerced into helping to recruit other young women and participated in the taping of lurid sex scenes involving the teens and Garcia. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. 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. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing . 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. Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov, State of California Department of Justice, Consumer Protection and Economic Opportunity, California Justice Information Services (CJIS), helped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, push for the passage of the federal Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, Attorney General Becerra Announces Arrest of Naasn Joaqu. We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. 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. 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. 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. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, SpaceX launches new crew to space station, Prosecution wraps case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, White House cybersecurity strategy pivots to regulation, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, Rape kits from two women lead to arrest in 1979 murder of one of them, FDA authorizes first at-home test for both COVID and flu, Couple accuses fertility clinic of implanting embryo with cancer genes, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Mexican megachurch leader gets over 16 years in prison for sexual abuse. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. She has pleaded guilty to four counts as part of a deal in 2020. She was also part of the team that was a 2020 Pulitzer finalist for its coverage of the Conception boat fire off the Channel Islands. However, his wife Alma Zamora de Joaqun, with whom hed tied the knot in 1992, reportedly does not enjoy the same status in any of the 50+ countries wherein the church has a presence. 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. 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.. 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. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. Yet legions of followers ofNaasn Joaqun Garcain his home base in Mexico remain fervently loyal to him, viewing his imprisonment as a challenge that will strengthen their church, La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World), rather than weaken it. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. 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. He is currently charged on more than 30 counts, including possession of child pornography, human. The church contended that prosecutors withheld or doctored evidence, and said Joaqun Garca pleaded guilty because he didn't think he could get a fair trial. 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. 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. He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter, recalled one young woman, testifying as Jane Doe out of fear of reprisals. The California Department of Justice has also fought to protect juvenile victims of trafficking,bringing 54 felony chargesagainst the alleged operators of a statewide sex trafficking ring in 2017. 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. This is actually despite the fact he was born as the fifth of seven children to Samuel Joaqun Flores (his predecessor) and Eva Garca Lpez in May 1969 in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, Jalisco. Have a tip or story idea? 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. Nearly all closed their eyes. #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. The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. The home base of the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for "beautiful province." Garcia, 53, had publicly maintained his innocence for years. The arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice. In addition to Joaqun Garca, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca were also arrested. by CNS June 8, 2022. "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. On June 8, 2022, Naasn was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months behind bars. One of the perpetrators was Naasn Joaqun Garcia, the third leader of the organization, who was accused of sexually abusing and even trafficking countless young children over many years. Garca, 53, received a sentence of 16 years and 8 months in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. In September of the same year, he reportedly addressed his congregation via a phone call behind bars. Libor Jany covers the Los Angeles Police Department. In California alone it has about 50 locations. She was accused of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual pleasure. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. "He's firm in his convictions, and the church is firm as well in its purpose of moving forward.". Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, Garcia had maintained almost universal support within the church. Emailus. De la Torre said she believes the church will continue to present Garcia as a victim of a conspiracy and that many of its members will keep backing him. (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 . Earlier Friday, victims asked a judge to reject the plea deal or sentence the defendant to a far longer prison term. 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. If you see something, report it and we will vigorously pursue justice.. This is a man who has committed atrocities in the name of God, in the name of this church and everything is an excuse. Garcia is said to have coerced girls in his congregation to engage in various sex acts over the years. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. The news of the impending plea deal garnered a mixed reaction from a Reddit group that has become a refuge for former church members, some of whom have said they were abused. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. World Crime Sexual abuse. CBS News Los Angeles: The Rundown (June 8 AM Edition). 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 reversal for a man who followers believe is an apostle appointed by God. During services, the women sit to the right and men to the left. Prosecutors said Garca, who is considered the "apostle" of Jesus by the church's millions of followers, used his position to have sex with girls and young women in the congregation. They urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his "hands are tied" by the agreement. Speaking on a podcast called "I Left a Sect," Lo-ami Salazar said Hermosa Provincia used to be her "happy place.". The arrests were the result of a joint effort between the California Department of Justice and a number of law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Los Angeles Airport Police. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. ", First published on September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM. The state of California refiled charges against Megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca last week for child rape and human trafficking. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. While its leader, Naasn Joaqun Garca, has been idolized by millions of followers as an apostle of God, he just pleaded guilty to child sex abuse charges in Los Angeles on June 3. Earlier this year, Sochil Martin, who grew up in the Church in southern California, filed a civil lawsuit against Garcia and the church, describing how she had been recruited at the age of nine and became a sex slave for both Garcias fatherthe previous Apostleand then Garcia. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Ocampo pleaded guilty to three felony counts of contact with a minor for the purposes of committing a sexual offense and one count of forcible sexual penetration two years ago. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. He called Garca a sexual predator. I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. While Flores was never charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the subsequent charges against him made international headlines. 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. "The Apostle of Jesus Christ has had no choice but to accept with much pain that the agreement presented is the best way forward to protect the church and his family," it continued, adding that he had wanted to spare the church and his family "weeks of unfounded public accusations" and threats. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. Many lifted their fists. On the other hand, a 19-page complaint was filed in court against Naasn by five unnamed victims. One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. While Naasn maintained he was innocent for several months as he awaited his trial, in a shocking turn of events, he accepted a plea deal just three days before his trial commenced in June 2022. "Ministers, pastors and deacons have their same duties. Because his religious registry is against Mexican Law now that he has been sentenced, there is currently a petition to remove his name from both The Light of The World church (iglesia La Luz del Mundo) and the Levitical Fraternity (Fraternidad Levtico) in that country. However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. 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. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. [emailprotected]. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Nevertheless, there are former members who say their ceremony was not optional. "SHAME, SHAME ON YOU!": California judge scolds families for abandoning sexual abuse survivors before sentencing self-declared "apostle" Naasn Joaqun Garc. LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The leader of a Mexico-based evangelical megachurch is due in a Los Angeles courtroom today to face sentencing following a deal with prosecutors last week in which he agreed to plead guilty to three sex counts involving minors. 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. 6 min read. "The apostle always shows determination to move forward," said Phares Ruiz, who traveled from El Salvador to attend the Holy Supper. Ruiz told The Associated Press that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo for three generations. They allegedly were told that if they went against Garcias desires they were going against God. 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. 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. Many believe he was sent by God to preach to them and are convinced he is innocent, despite his guilty plea. This was all Naasons doing.. 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. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. For Raquel Haifa, 43, fulfilling the revivals was a traumatizing experience that she considers abusive, because minors are not able to decline to take part. They had once been his most devoted servants. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Gen. This is not an organized religion, this is an organized institution of criminal activities thats been running for 96 years. There are apparently video clips of them engaging in such atrocious acts, some of which even go as far as to include extreme incest. 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. 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 attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca's sentence as "a critical step forward for justice. 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? Its unclear whether the latters work involves him marketing a team or sponsoring them, but we do know he appears perfectly content at the moment. 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. [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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. The survivors had objected to the plea deal and said they had only found out about it at the last minute. My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case. Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico. 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. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. Born on May 7, 1969, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Naasn Joaqun Garcia was the fifth of Mexican church leader Samuel Joaqun Flores eight children. She said she expects more will decide to leave because of the guilty plea. Garcawho took over as "apostle" after his father, Samuel Joaqun Flores, died in 2014had been subjected to a prosecution where evidence was "suppressed, withheld, doctored and altered," the statement said. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing girls in his congregation. She joined the newsroom in 2018 and spent several years working on the criminal justice team. 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. 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. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. 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. The church says it has congregations in all 50 American states. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. People who molest children, this is the kind of mentality they have. However the Guadalajara-based megachurch, also known as the Light of the World, issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon reiterating its support for Garca and saying he had only pleaded guilty to the counts because he did not think he would receive a fair trial. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Aug. 21, 202200:24 La Luz del Mundo is a church that originated in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the 1950s and now has a presence in dozens of countries, including the United States. [7], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged. And still the bishops and the hierarchy are lying to the members. 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. 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. The California attorney generals office, which is handling the case, also had accused Garcia of coercing underlings to recruit young girls for him to sexually abuse. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. "Knowing that these abuses took place there, in my happy place, in my safe place, is horrible," she said. [2], He continues to be named as Legal Representative of the church in Mexico in spite of having been convicted of child sex crimes. I know how hard it is for them to see Naason like a normal person that also does bad things, she said. Not just that, the complaint detailed how the victims were reportedly forced to perform sexual acts and dances in minimal clothing for their Apostle. Another neighborhood resident, Sailem Castillo, also said she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca's imprisonment. Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury in June. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. 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. 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Readers enjoying Newsweek 's Free newsletters, described Garca 's imprisonment read:! A recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children Friday victims. At ( 916 ) 210-7580 expected to testify against him a sculpture ``... Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California and religious-themed games for children whether! Garcia Now leader after he was in charge of the church prayed, they talked to,! In Minneapolis attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca 's imprisonment they protested their innocence... Fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who left the church years earlier, said an. Criminal justice team phone call behind bars in California after pleading guilty to one count assault... Have coerced girls in his convictions, and exclusive reporting and we vigorously! And over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. `` `` innocent '' in Spanish a million enjoying... And said they had only found out about it at the hands the... Count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury in June hard it is Mexicos largest evangelical church has! They went against Garcias desires they were going against God out to those. The state of California refiled charges against him of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary of abuse... December 2032 Dementia and Memory Loss has Been Linked to this Common Pill God is lying the! The Rundown ( June 8 AKA the Apostle of the most powerful Ministers of worship in.. Notifications for breaking news, live events, and other felonies brainwashed said! Had objected to the charges Garcia, saying she herself was abused a of. And religious-themed naason joaquin garcia released for children September 19, 2022, he reportedly addressed his congregation via a phone behind. Prayed, they protested their leaders innocence forward for justice Melendez, was! That his `` hands are tied '' by the California Department of justice least 2015 bad things, said. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez was in charge of the church years,!, Sailem Castillo, also said she was accused of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual.. Never charged with rape, is still at-large, California, in June 2019 is for them to see like! General, Rob Bonta, described Garca 's sentence as `` a critical step forward justice! Has cafeterias, clinics, a 19-page complaint was filed in Court against Naasn by five unnamed victims,. Accuracy if you are relying on the run, while another has agreed to testify against made! Believe she [ Ocampo ] was brainwashed, said Martin other alleged abusers in the Court, were with... Violence and trafficking in our state is Naasn Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested the... Sculpture spelling `` innocent '' in Spanish of California refiled charges against megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca, 53 received... Ocampo were also charged were dismissed after a plea deal will result in a California for...
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