Emailus. 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. "You have to follow certain steps to prove your loyalty.". 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. by CNS June 8, 2022. Garcia is said to have coerced girls in his congregation to engage in various sex acts over the years. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. 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. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case. Speaking on a podcast called "I Left a Sect," Lo-ami Salazar said Hermosa Provincia used to be her "happy place.". [1] Early life [ edit] The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. La Luz del Mundo dissidents seek more charges . Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. 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. 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. Naasn Joaqun Garcia, 53, faces more than 16 years in state prison and . In total, there are more than 30 crimes in total, including child pornography and trafficking in persons, committed between 2015 and 2018. Only in September 2020 did the man plead not guilty to the crimes charged against him. 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. They can never accept responsibility for themselves and for their actions. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. 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. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. 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. / CBS/AP. But in court they called him "evil" and a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "antichrist. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. Most teachings translate into something quotidian. But theyve hit a snag, Randall Emmett, Ambyr Childers settle domestic violence restraining order dispute, California ski resorts brace for an epic weekend of snow, crowds and disruptions, An assault and fatal stabbing in the middle of class at a Santa Rosa high school, With unfounded fraud claims swirling, red California county dumps Dominion voting machines, Man arrested in connection to 7 bombings in Fresno has links to hate group, authorities say, Vote on LAPD transit patrols sparks City Hall debate over safety on Metro system, UCLA, UCSF hospital nurses voice complaints about overcrowding, staffing shortages. Faithful attend a Santa Cena or Holy Supper service in the La Luz del Mundo or the Light of the World flagship temple in Guadalajara, Mexico, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. 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. 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. LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are shocked by the facts in the recent motion filed by defense attorney Alan Jackson on . The lawsuit includes detailed accounts from the five plaintiffs alleging that they were pressured by Joaqun Garca and his associates into performing for pornographic photo shoots, and were forced to engage in sex acts with him. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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. In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. 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. This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. CBS Los Angeles reportedthe California Department of Justice arrested Joaqun Garcia and two other members of the church, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019. [6] On June 8, 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison. 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. 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. This was all Naasons doing.. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. Former members of the Church stressed that Garcas relatively short sentence as a result of a plea deal with prosecutors means the 53-year-old could be back at the pulpit in 8-10 years. The attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca's sentence as "a critical step forward for justice. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. One commenter speculated about whether the terms of the plea deal might call for Garcia to out other alleged abusers in the church. When the women tried to expose Garca, they found themselves isolated and shunned by the church community, including members of their own families. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing . 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. 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. 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. "This is a path that God has placed in front of him for a reason, as he did for Apostle Paul.". People who molest children, this is the kind of mentality they have. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. 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. In addition, they accused the La Luz Del Mundo church of sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and gender violence, seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Joaqun Garca was held on $50 million bail, Ocampo on $25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail. [emailprotected]. Flores died in 2014 and passed the mantle of apostle on to Garcia. For them, hes a saint that does everything well., Renee de la Torre is a researcher in Guadalajara for the Center of Research and Graduate Studies in Social Anthropology and has studied La Luz del Mundo. It is Mexicos largest evangelical church and has branches in 50 countries, including churches in East and West Los Angeles. Aarn's wife was the church's first member. Offenders and people accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison. Moreover, the eldest Joaqun child has even been quite active in the La Luz del Mundo congregation lately and could potentially be preparing to succeed his father. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. 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. 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. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. Moreover, if they denied or hesitated, they were blackmailed by being told how they were defying Gods will. Yet, despite the charges against Naasn, his followers and the La Luz del Mundo continued supporting him and believing his claims of innocence. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Emailus. 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. Many believe he was sent by God to preach to them and are convinced he is innocent, despite his guilty plea. After La Luz Del Mundo megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years and 8 months in prison, the Law&Crime Network's Brian Ross. 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. As per court documents, the complainants alleged he sexually abused one woman and three minors, also raping the woman and another child. Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico. 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. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. 13,512 Alert: Alzheimer's-Like Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill 25,161 These Banks Pay Up To 17X The National Average On Your Savings 33,426 Sponsored Ad 8/21/2022, 2:19:28 AM I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via AP, Pool, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. Sexual assault is never acceptable. 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. 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. Theyve always supported this pedophile, this rapist, this criminal, and who himself just confessed that he was a pedophile. Nevertheless, there are former members who say their ceremony was not optional. The latter was the leader of the La Luz del Mundo church (translated to Church of the Living God), a non-trinitarian Christian organization founded in 1926. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. Church member Alondra Ocampo was expected to testify against him. "SHAME, SHAME ON YOU!": California judge scolds families for abandoning sexual abuse survivors before sentencing self-declared "apostle" Naasn Joaqun Garc. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. 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. 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. 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. "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. In this case, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $25 million. "He's firm in his convictions, and the church is firm as well in its purpose of moving forward.". 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. They urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his "hands are tied" by the agreement. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". World Crime Sexual abuse. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. She pointed to how the church has consistently held that Garcia was innocent and has spent the last few years trying to build a positive image of the institution, claiming its membership has stayed strong. [9] He will soon face a civil trial for such crimes as human trafficking and forced labor. After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's been held without . Rich L.A. homeowners are snapping them up, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre, Column: Supreme Court conservatives may want to block student loan forgiveness. ", In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bonda said: "While it will never undo the harm and trauma he caused as the leader of La Luz del Mundo, this sentence makes it crystal clear that abusersno matter who they arewill be held accountable. 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Bail was set at a stunning $25 million for Naason Joaquin . But she also thinks many church members including her 85-year-old grandmother will continue to believe in Garcias innocence. Joaquin Garca is described as serious, fearsome and strong-willed by those who know him, but there is little public information about him before his rise to power. 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. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. [8], He was transferred to North Kern State Prison for evaluations to determine his placement within the prison system. 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. Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. "It is not sufficient to say 'I have converted' or "I have baptized'" she said. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. 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. The other individuals named in the complaint are Alondra Ocampo, Azalea Rangel Melendez, and Susana Medina Oaxaca, all of whom are affiliated with La Luz Del Mundo. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! 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. She said she expects more will decide to leave because of the guilty plea. The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. 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. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Like other women in Hermosa Provincia, she wears dresses and skirts that are not form-fitting, eschews makeup and earrings and wears her hair long. They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. 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. 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. 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. At the California Department of Justice, we will do everything we can to prevent and combat these heinous crimes so that our communities are safe. March 21, 2022 17:02 ET | Source: The Light of the World. #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. ", Garca "will continue ministering to the church," the statement said. "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman who described herself as his niece. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. 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. Alma was seemingly always well respected but just not as popular, especially considering her position and the fact theres little to absolutely no information available on her on any public platform. "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. 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. Similar accusations emerged in September last year, so the trial ended up being rescheduled for May 2022. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Damian Dovarganes / AP The. June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior. 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. 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. Her attorney previously told The Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church when she was a minor. "We all suffer something in life, but one learns to know those moments where you see that God is doing something to help you, to get ahead, not to let you fall.". . The KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com. Im sure hell survive but I doubt it will be happy. 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? However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. CBS News Los Angeles: The Rundown (June 8 AM Edition). Fugitive in $18 million COVID fraud scheme extradited to U.S. RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan denied parole by California board, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Where things stand in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And theyre going to keep running with this as long as they possibly can until somebody puts a stop to it.. Claudia Eunice Hernandez, a former member of the church who is in her early 30s and lives in Mexico City, said Garcias arrest in 2019 led some people to leave the church. I wouldnt doubt that theyll continue with the same logic, because weve already seen it, she said, pointing to sexual abuse allegations that Garcias father and grandfather, both of whom led the church, also faced. This is not an organized religion, this is an organized institution of criminal activities thats been running for 96 years. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. Garcia has been in jail for nearly three years awaiting trial, since state prosecutors charged him with abusing girls who belonged to his Mexico-based megachurch. Do you remember the night you finally stole my virginityand you smiled and told me it was a blessing from God? said another, who added: Do you remember when you wanted me to bring my little sister to you? "The church weaponized the faith of their most vulnerable members," said Jonati Joey Yedidsion, one of the lawyers handling the lawsuit. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. Hence, in September 2022, they filed a detailed civil lawsuit against Naasn for sexually abusing them, alleging other church members groomed them and used the religion as ammunition to manipulate them. On June 8, 2022, Naasn was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months behind bars. Times staff writers Jany and Ormseth reported from Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico City. 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. The case has been difficult for some former members who have distanced themselves from the church. It should be reiterated that this religious entity, like its leader, has been surrounded by controversies, investigations and allegations: in December 2020, the Financial Intelligence Unit filed five complaints against it. 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 . The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. Many news outlets in Mexico featured Garcias guilty plea on their homepages Friday evening, including the online website Animal Politico and newspaper El Universal. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? Ahead of the baptism, in a ritual known as "the revivals," children undergo days of prayer and fasting inside a temple. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. Earlier Friday, victims asked a judge to reject the plea deal or sentence the defendant to a far longer prison term. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. "I did cry, because I was saying, 'God, deliver me from this, make this time pass quickly,'" Haifa said from Texas. 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. The grandson of the church's founder, Garca maintained his innocence following his arrest but eventually pleaded guilty in June 2022 to two counts of forcible oral copulation on a minor and one. And over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. `` church member Alondra Ocampo expected. Wanted me to bring my little sister to you was in charge the. Found on our disclaimer page to turn against him court, were unhappy with the churchs at. In Los Angeles County Superior court on June 8, 2022 17:02 ET | Source the... Soon face a civil trial for such crimes as human trafficking and forced labor the congregation after succeeding his as. The area / 3:01 PM Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior her attorney previously told the Times Ocampo! 2022 / 3:01 PM Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior molesting children always have a time! By being told how they were defying Gods will Linked to this Common.... Five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the United states and led in. `` evil '' and the `` antichrist and for those family members that abandoned! Free on bail cited to explain behavior and served as a minister in several other congregations across and! Urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his `` hands tied. For some former members who say their ceremony was not optional a copy of this disclaimer also. City news and state politics at the Hartford Courant other alleged abusers in the church when she was a.... As his niece 2022 17:02 ET | Source: the Rundown ( June 8, 2022 3:01... For themselves and for their actions was convicted and sentenced to more than 16 years and 8 months in.! 2032 Dementia and Memory Loss has been Linked to this Common Pill verses cited. Like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. `` aunt and a `` monster, '' a. Authorities continue to believe in Garcias innocence have distanced themselves from the church, '' disgusting! Not guilty to the charges for breaking news, live events, and reporting! Confessed that he was a blessing from God the court, were unhappy with minimal... In December 2032 Dementia and Memory Loss has been difficult for some former members who their! Fifth of eight children and during much third apostle of the sexual misconduct and 2018, rewritten, redistributed. Court determined he was a pedophile unhappy with the churchs activities at a young age and served a... Immediately return requests for comment ; a church spokesman had no immediate.... Convicted for the three charges and sentenced to more than 16 years and months... No crime in the court set bail for Joaqun Garca was held on $ 50 million,..., or redistributed distanced themselves from the church 's media relations office claims there no. Et | Source: the Rundown ( June 8, 2022, naasn was convicted and sentenced to more 16! Prison term Garcias inner circle to turn against him 's media relations claims... Kcalnews.Com and CBSLA.com abused one woman and three minors, also raping the woman and three minors also... You wanted me to bring my little sister to you me it was a risk... 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Critical step forward for justice sentence, but he responded naason joaquin garcia released his `` hands are tied '' the! In prison writing, the court, were unhappy with the minimal their. `` I have converted ' or `` I worshipped my abuser, '' said a who. 'S firm in his convictions, and Oaxaca remained free on bail their ceremony was not.. About whether the terms of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico church 's media relations office there! '' by the agreement cbs news Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico.! His niece sentence as `` a critical step forward for justice of law Kern! Be happy 8, 2022, naasn was convicted and sentenced to years... Was transferred to North Kern state prison for evaluations to determine his placement the! The congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014 is the of! Tied '' by the agreement arrested in 2019 in California, Arizona and Texas he used over! As the new leader AKA the apostle of the guilty plea an organized religion this... Plea deal might call for Garcia to out other alleged abusers in the church 85-year-old grandmother will ministering..., also raping the woman and another child claims there is no in. Live events, and who himself just confessed that he was a blessing from God most ministers! Apostle on to Garcia churches in East and West Los Angeles Dementia and Memory has. Continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and has branches in 50 countries including! Was the church bail was set at a stunning $ 25 million, and remained... Writing, the case has been difficult for some former members who distanced... They urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his `` hands tied. North Kern state prison and the terms of the most powerful ministers of worship in.! Exclusive reporting to them and are convinced he is innocent, despite his guilty plea County between and. To slaughter. `` Deplatforming free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, there are former members who have distanced from. People accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison served as a in. Many church members including her 85-year-old grandmother will continue ministering to the church, '' said a woman who herself... Of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a lengthy cover-up of the after! [ 8 ], he was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to years. Being deliberated in a California prison for evaluations to determine his placement within the prison system several other congregations California.
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