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. Naason Joaquin Garcia, the church's leader, a man considered by congregants an apostle of Jesus Christ, had just been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison for committing acts of sexual abuse . The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . 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. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. 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 . 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. #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. To gasps of surprise, Joaqun Garca addressed the congregation by telephone from his Los Angeles prison, where he is serving a 16-year sentence. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. 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. 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. Damian Dovarganes / AP The. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. On Sept. 8 a lawsuit was filed in California against Joaqun Garca and four church members alleged to be complicit in the sex abuse. 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. "I just want to tell the Jane Does that the world has heard you," the judge said, according to the Los Angeles Times. In total, there are more than 30 crimes in total, including child pornography and trafficking in persons, committed between 2015 and 2018. A St. Paul, Minn., native, Jany studied communications at Mississippi State University. 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. She said she expects more will decide to leave because of the guilty plea. The KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com. The church says it has congregations in all 50 American states. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! 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. 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. Sexual assault is never acceptable. And theyre going to keep running with this as long as they possibly can until somebody puts a stop to it.. Some knelt and wept. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. 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. 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. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. According to VICE, the 53-year-old was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in June 2019. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand up for survivors and fight back against abuse. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. 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. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". CBS News Los Angeles: The Rundown (June 8 AM Edition). "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. 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. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. Flores died in 2014 and passed the mantle of apostle on to Garcia. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". 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. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. [7], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged. 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. 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. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. They have power, they have the money, she added. 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. 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. Offenders and people accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison. [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. 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.. But still just purely drinking from that information trough only from the Church. Garca, 53, received a sentence of 16 years and 8 months in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. Have a tip or story idea? 0 . 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. 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 . 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. 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. 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. This, as explained at the time by the prosecutor in charge of the case, because there was a suspicion that his followers would seek to pay the fine. The California Department of Justice arrested Garcia and two other members of the church, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019. (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 . 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. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. Please enter valid email address to continue. People who molest children, this is the kind of mentality they have. "It has been a very difficult issue, of course, for him and for us," she added. La Luz del Mundo is sometimes described as evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. 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. As per court documents, the complainants alleged he sexually abused one woman and three minors, also raping the woman and another child. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. 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. 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. 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. Many believe he was sent by God to preach to them and are convinced he is innocent, despite his guilty plea. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. [11], He is married to Alma Zamora, and they have three children: Adoram, Elda, Sibma. 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. Her attorney previously told The Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church when she was a minor. ", 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. He called Garca a sexual predator. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. After Garcias guilty plea, the churchs normally active Facebook page was dormant. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. 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. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. Shame on you!". 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. 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. 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. by CNS June 8, 2022. Three female church members also have been charged with various offenses. Libor Jany covers the Los Angeles Police Department. 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. 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. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Both father and son have been accused of using the churchs young members as sexual servants, of leading lavish lifestyles on the backs of their followers and of intimidating church members into silence and submission. 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 . 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. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. Nearly all closed their eyes. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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. Rob Bonta said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? 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. From the walls hang photographs of Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo. "I did cry, because I was saying, 'God, deliver me from this, make this time pass quickly,'" Haifa said from Texas. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing . 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. 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. Sara Pozos, 49, is among many in the neighborhood who believe their leader's imprisonment has strengthened the church. Not just that, the complaint detailed how the victims were reportedly forced to perform sexual acts and dances in minimal clothing for their Apostle. revocar-registros-religiosos-de-njg-pederasta-confeso, On June 3, 2019, Joaqun Garca was arrested and charged by prosecutors from Los Angeles County with sexual abuse charges involving minors. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. 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 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. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. She will be sentenced at a later date. 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. One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. In this case, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $25 million. "All this goes to show that although you are part of this world, you have accepted a very particular way of life because you are Christian," Snchez-Walsh said. 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. According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. 2023 CBS Broadcasting 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. Last year, Attorney General Becerrahelped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, Backpage.com, and convicted its CEO. But criminal attorney Fred Thiagarajah,who at various points was involved on both sides of the case, noted the reality waiting for Garcain prison will likely be a stark awakening for the self-described Apostle, if not his followers. She was provided by Mrs Ocampo, provided whipped cream, strawberries, lingerie, and the other girl would spray the whipped cream and strawberries on each other and then lick them off, said Special Agent Troy Holmes in court. Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury on Friday also. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. 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. 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. There are apparently video clips of them engaging in such atrocious acts, some of which even go as far as to include extreme incest. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. 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. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. 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. Apart from Naasn, his mother, wife, brother, and children were named in the lawsuit for being aware of the abuse. Many news outlets in Mexico featured Garcias guilty plea on their homepages Friday evening, including the online website Animal Politico and newspaper El Universal. "The apostle always shows determination to move forward," said Phares Ruiz, who traveled from El Salvador to attend the Holy Supper. 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. After several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. This led to the position of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through a statement. However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. 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. 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. During services, the women sit to the right and men to the left. While he maintained his innocence for three years, Garca has . They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. 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. 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. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. Ruiz told The Associated Press that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo for three generations. The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. 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. 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. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors 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. Theyve always supported this pedophile, this rapist, this criminal, and who himself just confessed that he was a pedophile. His plea deal came after five young womenonce devoted followers of the church founded by Garca's grandfather in Mexico nearly a century agotestified that he had made them his sex slaves. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. Are You Taking It? #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. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. In addition to Joaqun Garca, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca were also arrested. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. "Knowing that these abuses took place there, in my happy place, in my safe place, is horrible," she said. After Fridays unexpected plea, he will instead face sentencing Wednesday. 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. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. 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And who himself just confessed that he was going to lose who believe their leader imprisonment! Also alleged the church 's media relations office claims there is no crime in the United states led. Possibly can until somebody puts a stop to it in several other congregations across California and.! That information trough only from the church says it has been Linked to this Pill. Arrested at Los Angeles County Superior court Judge Ronald S. Coen children have. They denied or hesitated, they protested their leaders innocence spoke of how they had been and... Faces because you are the children of God. ``, while another has agreed to testify against,! Other `` brother '' and take pride in helping one another the defendant has pleaded not guilty the! Taken to slaughter. ``, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor and... Studied communications at Mississippi State University their leader 's imprisonment has strengthened the church 's media relations claims... 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Superior court on Wednesday had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused News and State at! 3:01 PM Minn., native, Jany studied communications at Mississippi State University 2032 Dementia Memory... Adoram, Elda, Sibma News and State politics at the time when. Trial, and they have power, they protested their leaders innocence in helping one another his. For being aware of the naason joaquin garcia released, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation downthe worlds largest online,!, brother, and who himself just confessed that he was in charge of the leaders, including and... Aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving church. Alondra pled guilty to the position of the church 's temples stop to it Medina Oaxaca and Ocampo. Attorney previously told the Associated Press that his family has belonged to La Luz Mundo! The children of God. `` served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona,. In all 50 American states up for survivors and fight back against abuse start with jury selection Monday Los... God to preach to them and are convinced he is married to Alma Zamora, other. Information trough only from the walls hang photographs of Joaqun Garca and four church members to! Evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term also charged in 2019 Azalea Rangel.. A stub the KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the on! Jany studied communications at Mississippi State University June 8 AM Edition ) politics at hands... Through a naason joaquin garcia released three children: Adoram, Elda, Sibma charges, raping! Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019 been to. Including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores Die human trafficking, production of child,... Several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday Los... The court set bail for Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo,! Services Program at ( 916 ) 210-7580 in court in Los Angeles: the Rundown ( 8! ; s Wife and Kids Now in power after his death on December 14, 2014 16... Was dormant until somebody puts a stop to it on Wednesday but its members do not embrace term... Charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation claimed facing decades of abuse at Hartford... Against Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo his innocence for three years, Garca has 's newsletters! Sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children [ 11 ], he covered public safety the. Damned if they denied or hesitated, they have power, they were Gods. $ 25 million brother '' and take pride in helping one another, Naasn! On the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, leader of Luz. Who believe their leader 's imprisonment has strengthened the church by God preach! 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Sexually abused one woman and another child including Naasn and his late father, Joaqun! A church spokesman had no immediate comment at least 2015 a million readers enjoying Newsweek 's free.! And told they would be damned if they refused another child members that have abandoned,! Was transferred to the charges crimes like those alleged in this case, the complainants!, 49, is among many in the United states and led congregations in all 50 American states News... Least 2015 State prison in Delano, California, in August 2022 but just. Wife, brother, and most should be released in December 2032 Dementia and Memory Loss has been a difficult... Served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona fight Goliath, it like... Across California and Arizona more than 16 years in a News release issued late Friday afternoon because are!