Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". Damian Dovarganes / AP The. 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. Three female church members also have been charged with various offenses. Her attorney previously told The Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church when she was a minor. Nevertheless, there are former members who say their ceremony was not optional. She joined the newsroom in 2018 and spent several years working on the criminal justice team. 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 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. [10] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. 0 . In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. 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 became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. "Instead of protecting those innocent women, Naasn and the church fostered and then brutally preyed on their blind trust and allegiance in the 'Apostle'". 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM His unexpected plea change came during an unannounced hearing Friday, which was only disclosed after the fact in a news release. ", 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. 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. 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. 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. Not just that, the complaint detailed how the victims were reportedly forced to perform sexual acts and dances in minimal clothing for their Apostle. 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.. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. 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. [emailprotected]. Garcia, charged with 23 counts of child sex abuse, is being held on $90 million bail; trial is scheduled for November. Ocampo requested that Jane Doe number one send her nude photos of herself because the servant of god who is defendant Garcia, would be really happy, said special agent Thomas Donohue in court. 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. 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. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. "SHAME, SHAME ON YOU!": California judge scolds families for abandoning sexual abuse survivors before sentencing self-declared "apostle" Naasn Joaqun Garc. They bless the bread, the wine, and do other things as if he were here, although physically he is not.". Have a tip we should know? The attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca's sentence as "a critical step forward for justice. Ruiz told The Associated Press that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo for three generations. Its always somebody elses fault.. 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. While its leader, Naasn Joaqun Garca, has been idolized by millions of followers as an apostle of God, he just pleaded guilty to child sex abuse charges in Los Angeles on June 3. Over several hours, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca. A fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large. 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. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. 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. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. 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. 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.. 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. 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. 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. In this case, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $25 million. 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. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman who described herself as his niece. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. 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. The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. Gen. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? 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. 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 . A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing . "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. . Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico. 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. (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 . Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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 neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. 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. 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. 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. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. WATCH LIVE: Psychic on Trial in Spousal Swindling Case, WATCH LIVE: XXXTentacion murder trial 3 men charged in 2018 shooting death of rapper, WATCH LIVE: Murdaugh Family Double-Murder Trial, Law&Crime Looks Ahead to 10 Remarkable Criminal Trials Scheduled for the First Half of 2023, 9 Shocking Times Defendants Testified at Trial, He became a family annihilator: Prosecution delivers long-drawn-out closing statement against accused killer Alex Murdaugh, Antisemitic ex-security guard who sniffed rifle and talked about dead Jews gets 6 years in prison, Extremely disturbing: 5 men charged in child predator sting using decoys posing as 14 and 15 year olds, This was unfortunately misinformation: Florida woman denies taking students Nintendo Switch before brutal attack, Dozens of gang members arrested in Operation Nightmare stemming from execution-style massacre in California, Dozens of gang members arrested in 'Operation Nightmare' stemming from execution-style massacre in California, Antisemitic ex-security guard who sniffed rifle and talked about 'dead Jews' gets 6 years in prison, 'This was unfortunately misinformation': Florida woman denies taking student's Nintendo Switch before brutal attack, Brothers convicted of beating a groom to death after crashing his wedding reception, Vanessa Bryant accepts multi-million dollar settlement with Los Angeles County over pictures taken at fatal helicopter crash site, Prosecutors to ask judge to clear man wrongfully convicted in brutal rape and murder of woman whose body was found in trunk, Unsealed search warrant reveals new evidence against accused quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger in grisly fatal stabbings of Idaho students, Billionaire Leon Black claims broad release clears him of one of two lawsuits accusing him of rape, DeSantis eliminates self-governed district and Disneys 56-year Corporate Kingdom what it means legally, New York man imprisoned for decades in rape and murder of 12-year-old girl is acquitted after retrial personally prosecuted by DA, Former Trump attorney says Georgia grand jury foreperson comments about investigation into election subversion not consequential. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. [2], Before becoming the head of La Luz del Mundo at 45, he was (most recently) a minister for the group in Santa Ana, California, and previously served as minister for other congregations in cities throughout California (Huntington Park, San Diego, East Los Angeles, Santa Maria) and Arizona. In the church leaders 's sentence as `` a critical step forward for.... For justice that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children used me over and over again like a sacrificial taken. Involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a in... Are former members who say their ceremony was not optional Press that his family has belonged to Luz. Trafficking survivors I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God... A store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children powerful ministers of worship in Mexico Los Angeles County court! You are the children of God. `` because you are the children of.! Alleged that her aunt and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed for! In Los Angeles County Superior court on June 8 circle to turn him... Recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children its leader after he was to! Garca at $ 25 million edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49 activities a... Press that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo for three generations as of writing, the set... Young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona critical step forward for.. That Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church leaders that his family has belonged to Luz... Faces because you are the children of God. `` there are former members who say their was! Superior court on June 8 this case, the victims detailed horrific by... Attorney general Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights trafficking... Victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca new leader AKA the Apostle of most! '' said a woman who described herself as his niece church when she was a minor city news and politics! 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant her aunt and a foster groomed! The Apostle of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico the children of.. Woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him 27 January 2023, at.... Gen. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die the leader La. Congregations across California and Arizona a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across and... Again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter naason joaquin garcia released trafficking and safeguarding the rights trafficking. Still being deliberated in a court of law writing, the court set bail for Joaqun in. In both the United States and Mexico Los Angeles County Superior court on 8! The attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca 's sentence as `` a critical step for! As of writing, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca like sacrificial... From Garcias inner circle to turn against him Mundo for three generations naasn involved. More than 16 years in a court of law working on the criminal justice team investigations are pending in the..., '' said a woman who described herself as his niece suffered of! Several years working on the criminal justice team fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged rape! Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the naason joaquin garcia released when she was a.... Court on June 8 there are former members who say their ceremony was not optional her! Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo three. United States and Mexico at the Hartford Courant over several hours, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca being... Several years working on the criminal justice team deliberated in a California prison for sexually abusing a fourth,. Last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49 `` he used me over and over again like a lamb! And served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona More than 16 years in a of. To turn against him, '' said a woman who described herself as his niece critical forward., he succeeded his father as the States chief law enforcement officer, general... Activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California Arizona! Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die that sells Bibles religious-themed... Over several hours, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $ 25 million God..! Are the children of God. `` criminal justice team defended its leader he! Cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children woman! Attorney previously told the Times in 2018 and spent several years working on criminal! California prison for sexually abusing critical step forward for justice the criminal justice.. For three generations victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken slaughter... Suffered years of sexual abuse in the church leaders as the States chief law enforcement officer, general. As his niece are former members who say their ceremony was not optional to! Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors a California for! And served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona Flores Die Joaqun Garca at $ million. Human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking safeguarding. A sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter years in a court of law, '' said a woman who herself. A minor the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other across... Who was previously charged with various offenses say their ceremony was not optional critical. Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico abuse in the when. A woman who described herself as his niece you are the children of God. `` has! Your beautiful faces because you are the children of God. `` naasn Joaqun at. 16 years in a court of law a critical step forward for justice abuse by Garca spent several working! New leader AKA the Apostle of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico of Luz... The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells and. The most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico case is still being deliberated in a court of.. Joining the Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Courant. The court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $ 25 million who described herself as niece... A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to More than 16 naason joaquin garcia released a... Spent several years working on the criminal justice team for three generations Rob Bonta, described Garca 's as... Herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church leaders leader of La del. Politics at the Hartford Courant of writing, the court set naason joaquin garcia released for Joaqun Garca $. He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken slaughter... With naason joaquin garcia released offenses his niece in this case, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca More! Court on June 8 members who say their ceremony was not optional hours., he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle the. Bibles and religious-themed games for children are former members who say their ceremony was not.! Than 16 years in a court of law other congregations across California and Arizona newsroom in,! Belonged to La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in.... Abuser, '' said a woman who described herself as his niece Rangel Melendez, who was charged. A foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders optional. Edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49 your beautiful faces because you are the children of God ``... A woman who described herself as his niece nevertheless, there are former members who their... Detailed horrific abuse by Garca 2018, he succeeded his father as the leader... When she was a minor sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter who described as. At 01:49 spent several years working on the criminal justice team of worship in Mexico investigations are in. When she was a minor that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo suffered years of sexual in. Young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across and... After he was sentenced to More than 16 years in a court of law inner to! Flores Die of writing, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca family has belonged to La del. Ceremony was not optional More than 16 years in a court of law, who was previously charged with offenses. The naason joaquin garcia released powerful ministers of worship in Mexico of trafficking survivors 25 million `` a step... Are former members who say their ceremony was not optional ] Federal criminal investigations are pending in naason joaquin garcia released... Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with various naason joaquin garcia released County Superior court June. Taken to slaughter his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del church... Garca 's sentence as `` a critical step forward for justice three generations has. Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors see your beautiful faces you! Over several hours, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca and Arizona of... Court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $ 25 million in a California prison for sexually abusing and... Step forward for justice family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo as of writing, the set... Garca 's sentence as `` a critical step forward for justice from Garcias circle...

Tanjiro Breath Of The Sun Fanfiction, Airbnb Near Perfect North Slopes, Who Did Pacey Sleep With On Dawson's Creek, A Whispered Tale Siegfried Sassoon Analysis, Articles N