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. Sexual assault is never acceptable. 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. "He's firm in his convictions, and the church is firm as well in its purpose of moving forward.". Ruiz told The Associated Press that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo for three generations. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. 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. He called Garca a sexual predator. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. 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. Libor Jany covers the Los Angeles Police Department. A copy of the complaint is available here. The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. The church was founded in 1926 by Garcias grandfather, who was succeeded by Garcias father, Samuel Joaquin Flores. 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 survivors had objected to the plea deal and said they had only found out about it at the last minute. I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. 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. Have a tip we should know? 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. 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. 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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. People who molest children, this is the kind of mentality they have. 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. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman who described herself as his niece. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. 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. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. 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. 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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. Just on March 21, the Church of the Light of the World demanded Nahson's immediate release, after his defense filed a motion claiming that the California Prosecutor's Office conducted incriminating evidence against him. [10] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico. She will be sentenced at a later date. While Flores was never charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the subsequent charges against him made international headlines. 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. Many lifted their fists. ", First published on September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM. "The apostle always shows determination to move forward," said Phares Ruiz, who traveled from El Salvador to attend the Holy Supper. 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 . Garcia is said to have coerced girls in his congregation to engage in various sex acts over the years. 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. 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. By Khaleda Rahman On 6/9/22 at 4:57 AM EDT. Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California. "This is a path that God has placed in front of him for a reason, as he did for Apostle Paul.". Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. 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. 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. 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. God has his plan.. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. Gen. 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. "I do not see the bars that separate me from you," he told his followers. 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. 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. Matthew Ormseth is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. 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. "It has been a very difficult issue, of course, for him and for us," she added. 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. Shame on you!". My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. So, if youre interested in finding out about Naasns current whereabouts and how he was apprehended, heres what we know about the same! 0 . 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. From the walls hang photographs of Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo. Similar accusations emerged in September last year, so the trial ended up being rescheduled for May 2022. Speaking on a podcast called "I Left a Sect," Lo-ami Salazar said Hermosa Provincia used to be her "happy place.". 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. 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. Nearly all closed their eyes. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. Most teachings translate into something quotidian. Its not me thats doing this, this is what God wants you to do, Thiagarajah told Brian Ross. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. "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," the church said. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. 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. [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. 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. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury on Friday also. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Earlier in 2020, a former La Luz Del Mundo church member, Sochil Martin, sued the church and its leaders. "You have to follow certain steps to prove your loyalty.". Emailus. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. 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. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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.. 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.Garca and his co-defendants allegedly committed these crimes between 2015 and 2018 while leading La Luz . [emailprotected]. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. After several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. 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. ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. 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. / CBS/AP. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. "I did cry, because I was saying, 'God, deliver me from this, make this time pass quickly,'" Haifa said from Texas. In a major set back for the defense of Nasson Joaquin Garcia, his co-defendant, Alondra Ocampo, has pleaded guilty to four felony counts involving the sexual abuse of minors and is now prepared to testify against him at trial in California. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. ", Garca "will continue ministering to the church," the statement said. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. 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. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. In California alone it has about 50 locations. 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. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. 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. This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. To gasps of surprise, Joaqun Garca addressed the congregation by telephone from his Los Angeles prison, where he is serving a 16-year sentence. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . 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. If possible, verify the text with references provided in the foreign-language article. Also, a February federal lawsuit against the church and Joaqun Garca alleging that he and his father sexually abused a Southern California girl regularly from the time she was twelve until she was eighteen is still pending. They urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his "hands are tied" by the agreement. 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. 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. They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. [12]. 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. [2], He continues to be named as Legal Representative of the church in Mexico in spite of having been convicted of child sex crimes. "For us everything is very nice, everything continues to work," she said. He's known to church members as Aarn - a result, he said, of God asking him to change his name. This was all Naasons doing.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. They described him as "evil," a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "Antichrist. Last year, Attorney General Becerrahelped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, Backpage.com, and convicted its CEO. 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. 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. 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. 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. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". 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. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? "Ministers, pastors and deacons have their same duties. A St. Paul, Minn., native, Jany studied communications at Mississippi State University. CBS News Los Angeles: The Rundown (June 8 AM Edition). The RICO suit names him, the organization called Light of the World, his mother, his wife, his brother, and many of the leaders of the organization. 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 state of California refiled charges against Megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca last week for child rape and human trafficking. 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. Some knelt and wept. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". Sochil Martin, a former La Luz del Mundo member who has filed a civil RICO suit against Garcaand LLDM alleging sexual abuse and other crimes, was highly critical of the plea deal, and compared the church to a mafia-type organization that would continue to operate despite Garcas imprisonment. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! 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. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors She said she does not think the plea deal will result in a total crisis for the institution.. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. Please enter valid email address to continue. [1] Early life [ edit] "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.". It is Mexicos largest evangelical church and has branches in 50 countries, including churches in East and West Los Angeles. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. I know how hard it is for them to see Naason like a normal person that also does bad things, she said. And it shouldnt be, the lawyer continued. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. "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. 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