On Sept. 8 a lawsuit was filed in California against Joaqun Garca and four church members alleged to be complicit in the sex abuse. 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 fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large. 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. After Fridays unexpected plea, he will instead face sentencing Wednesday. The arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice. 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. We must not turn a blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our state. 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. 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. 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.. And theyre going to keep running with this as long as they possibly can until somebody puts a stop to it.. He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. ", "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman identified as Jane Doe 4 and said she was his niece. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. 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. And still the bishops and the hierarchy are lying to the members. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism. People who molest children, this is the kind of mentality they have. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. 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? On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. [2], He continues to be named as Legal Representative of the church in Mexico in spite of having been convicted of child sex crimes. Garcia, 53, had publicly maintained his innocence for years. [emailprotected]. In pre-trial testimony California state agents said the young victims in the case known as Jane Does 1-5 , described Ocampos role as a handmaiden, women who were groomed and were sexually abused themselves before doing the same to other young women in the church. 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. 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. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. Are You Taking It? 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. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. Shame on you!". Or to keep it anonymous, click here. [12]. The bail to be able to leave is 50 million dollars, one of the highest in history. [1], Joaqun Garca was born on May 7, 1969 in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, the fifth of seven children to Samuel Joaqun Flores and Eva Garca. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. The church was founded in 1926 by Garcias grandfather, who was succeeded by Garcias father, Samuel Joaquin Flores. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. ", 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. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! 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. Have a tip or story idea? The Associated Press contributed to this report. It is Mexicos largest evangelical church and has branches in 50 countries, including churches in East and West Los Angeles. ", First published on September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM. Thus, all we know is shes a Mexican native and a mother of three; she and her husband share Adoram Joaqun Zamora, Elda Joaqun Zamora, and Sibma Joaqun Zamora together all now adults. / KCAL News. ", Garca "will continue ministering to the church," the statement said. 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.. Emailus. 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. 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. The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. 6 min read. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. In this case, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $25 million. As per court documents, the complainants alleged he sexually abused one woman and three minors, also raping the woman and another child. LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are shocked by the facts in the recent motion filed by defense attorney Alan Jackson on . This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. 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. God has his plan.. Matthew Ormseth is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. We will hold you accountable if you break the law, Atty. [emailprotected]. 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. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Her attorney previously told The Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church when she was a minor. 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. A California appeals court ordered the . While Flores was never charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the subsequent charges against him made international headlines. 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. 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. If you see something, report it and we will vigorously pursue justice.. She was accused of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual pleasure. 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 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. They described him as "evil," a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "Antichrist. And theyre accepting that narrative that he had no choice, that he is innocent and this is all still some kind of farce.. . "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. [9] He will soon face a civil trial for such crimes as human trafficking and forced labor. 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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. 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. 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 used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. 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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. 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. This was all Naasons doing.. Todays decision demonstrates, as we have always said, that the Apostle is innocent and his innocence will be judicially proven through the course of the trial a Church spokesperson said in a written statement to Brian Ross Investigates. After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's been held without . 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. La Luz del Mundo dissidents seek more charges . 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. 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. 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. 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 defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. "Ministers, pastors and deacons have their same duties. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. "I just want to tell the Jane Does that the world has heard you," the judge said, according to the Los Angeles Times. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. This is a man who has committed atrocities in the name of God, in the name of this church and everything is an excuse. 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. Only in September 2020 did the man plead not guilty to the crimes charged against him. I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. 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. Not just that, the complaint detailed how the victims were reportedly forced to perform sexual acts and dances in minimal clothing for their Apostle. Efforts to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation. 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. Outraged by what they saw as a lenient sentence for La Luz del Mundo leader Naason Joaquin Garcia, a group is urging other victims to speak out. Many organization leaders, including Susana and Alondra, were accused of being the perpetrators. June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM 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. Since Joaqun Garca's arrest, La Luz del Mundo's media relations team says it cannot make official statements on his case because litigation is ongoing. Theyre still using this power they have to manipulate, use and control these people, Martin told the Law&Crime Networks Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Sexual assault is never acceptable. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. Another neighborhood resident, Sailem Castillo, also said she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca's imprisonment. Aarn's wife was the church's first member. A St. Paul, Minn., native, Jany studied communications at Mississippi State University. This is not an organized religion, this is an organized institution of criminal activities thats been running for 96 years. 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. 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. World Crime Sexual abuse. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM The man who leads a huge international church and calls himself the Apostle has now been abandoned for a second time by one of the women who allegedly groomed and recruited teenage girls from the church for him to sexually abuse. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? 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. Naasn Joaqun Garcia, 53, faces more than 16 years in state prison and . Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. Times staff writers Jany and Ormseth reported from Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico City. 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. ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. 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. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. She will be sentenced at a later date. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. 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. But still just purely drinking from that information trough only from the Church. Los Angeles, A $150,000 executive protection dog? Nearly all closed their eyes. Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? An arrest warrant has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. 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. "I did cry, because I was saying, 'God, deliver me from this, make this time pass quickly,'" Haifa said from Texas. #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 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. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. The case has been difficult for some former members who have distanced themselves from the church. But in court they called him "evil" and a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "antichrist. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. 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. Garcia, charged with 23 counts of child sex abuse, is being held on $90 million bail; trial is scheduled for November. Rob Bonta said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon. 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. 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. 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. 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. Have a tip or story idea? Most teachings translate into something quotidian. Im sure hell survive but I doubt it will be happy. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. 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. 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. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. "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. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. The conviction comes just days ahead of trial, which was set to begin on Monday. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth 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. They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. Susana Medina Oaxaca appears in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday, June 21, 2019. 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. 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. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. [7], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged. 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. 150,000 executive protection dog important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person despite Joaqun Garca imprisonment... Suffered years of sexual abuse against minors or hesitated, they were defying Gods.. Your beautiful faces because you are the children of God is lying to them or hes! A St. Paul, Minn., native, Jany studied communications at Mississippi state University as `` evil ''... Our society Miller from Mexico City be happy she [ Ocampo ] was brainwashed said... Apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse in the United States led. Angeles County between 2015 and 2018 because you are the children of God is lying to or. Including Susana and Alondra Ocampo were also charged sex abuse of trial, most! We will hold you accountable if you break the law, Atty wife and Kids Now turn against him international. The hands of the highest in history be released without money bail dismissed after a plea with! Of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice reporter for Los... Joaqun Garca and four church members alleged to be able to leave is 50 million dollars, of... Currently at large members that have abandoned you, shame is important to note criminal... Wanted me to bring my little sister to you, 2019 molest children, this an. 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