The KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. "He's firm in his convictions, and the church is firm as well in its purpose of moving forward.". Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. "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. 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. 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. Naasn Joaqun Garcia, 53, faces more than 16 years in state prison and . The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. 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. 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. 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. 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. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. The survivors had objected to the plea deal and said they had only found out about it at the last minute. Similar accusations emerged in September last year, so the trial ended up being rescheduled for May 2022. 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. Since having carried out harassment of minors, touching and rape. 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. Church member Alondra Ocampo was expected to testify against him. 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. La Luz del Mundo is sometimes described as evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term. She joined the newsroom in 2018 and spent several years working on the criminal justice team. 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. We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. Nevertheless, there are former members who say their ceremony was not optional. Offenders and people accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison. "The apostle always shows determination to move forward," said Phares Ruiz, who traveled from El Salvador to attend the Holy Supper. 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. Its always somebody elses fault.. "Instead of protecting those innocent women, Naasn and the church fostered and then brutally preyed on their blind trust and allegiance in the 'Apostle'". 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. [11], He is married to Alma Zamora, and they have three children: Adoram, Elda, Sibma. "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. This is not an organized religion, this is an organized institution of criminal activities thats been running for 96 years. 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. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? She said she expects more will decide to leave because of the guilty plea. 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. Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury in June. 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.. They allegedly were told that if they went against Garcias desires they were going against God. 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. 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. While he initially did not enter a plea, he was held at a shocking $50 million bail, generating massive outrage among his followers against the legal authorities. In 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. Most teachings translate into something quotidian. The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. 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. Los Angeles, A $150,000 executive protection dog? 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. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. It is unclear what his guilty admission will mean for the megachurch with international reach, and whether it will force the kind of larger reckoning over abuse and decades-long cover-ups that has swept the Catholic Church. Garcia, charged with 23 counts of child sex abuse, is being held on $90 million bail; trial is scheduled for November. They can never accept responsibility for themselves and for their actions. Theyve always supported this pedophile, this rapist, this criminal, and who himself just confessed that he was a pedophile. 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. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. 0 . One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. [10] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. They had once been his most devoted servants. It should be recalled that just on March 15, a 211-page motion was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court by defense attorney Alan Jackson, claiming that the California Prosecutor's Office fabricated incriminating evidence, created reports based on false evidence, erased and concealed exculpatory evidence.. 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. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. Born on May 7, 1969, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Naasn Joaqun Garcia was the fifth of Mexican church leader Samuel Joaqun Flores eight children. Earlier in 2020, a former La Luz Del Mundo church member, Sochil Martin, sued the church and its leaders. So far he remains imprisoned in the United States. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. [2], He continues to be named as Legal Representative of the church in Mexico in spite of having been convicted of child sex crimes. 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. 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. [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. March 21, 2022 17:02 ET | Source: The Light of the World. For Raquel Haifa, 43, fulfilling the revivals was a traumatizing experience that she considers abusive, because minors are not able to decline to take part. Please enter valid email address to continue. Joaqun Garca was held on $50 million bail, Ocampo on $25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail. ", 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. We reiterate that his procedural and constitutional rights must remain in force, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to due process, as well as the right to be judged impartially and without bias. the spokesman said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Yet for now, if you simply wish to learn more about those personally near the incumbent Apostle throughout these years his wife and his children weve got the necessary details for you. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. 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. People who molest children, this is the kind of mentality they have. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large. 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. 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. 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. Meanwhile the California State Attorney General continues its investigation and has created a dedicated hotline for tips:(323) 765-2100 orhttps://oag.ca.gov/LLDM, Have a tip we should know? According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". Today it claims a membership of more than 5 million in some 50 nations. There are apparently video clips of them engaging in such atrocious acts, some of which even go as far as to include extreme incest. 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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. 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 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. 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. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case. 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. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. Had it proceeded, the trial might have offered a rare glimpse into the insular world of La Luz del Mundo Light of the World which boasts more than 5 million members. "For us everything is very nice, everything continues to work," she said. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. Hence, in September 2022, they filed a detailed civil lawsuit against Naasn for sexually abusing them, alleging other church members groomed them and used the religion as ammunition to manipulate them. The state of California refiled charges against Megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca last week for child rape and human trafficking. 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? 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. 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. Many lifted their fists. Kellermeyer said his wife who earlier pled guilty was preparing to be the star witness at Garcas trial and was disappointed not to have the opportunity to testifyhaving hoped to reach dedicated church members, like her own parents, still in the church who refuse to believe that Garca is guilty. 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.. 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. At the California Department of Justice, we will do everything we can to prevent and combat these heinous crimes so that our communities are safe. / CBS/AP. 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. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth Last year, Attorney General Becerrahelped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, Backpage.com, and convicted its CEO. "I just want to tell the Jane Does that the world has heard you," the judge said, according to the Los Angeles Times. 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. 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. Susana Medina Oaxaca appears in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday, June 21, 2019. 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.. 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. Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury on Friday also. 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. Posted on 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes. 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. He is currently charged on more than 30 counts, including possession of child pornography, human trafficking, sexual abuse of minors and extortion. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. One of the perpetrators was Naasn Joaqun Garcia, the third leader of the organization, who was accused of sexually abusing and even trafficking countless young children over many years. 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. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. 6 min read. Emailus. 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. Have a tip or story idea? Near the end of the call, Joaqun Garca asked his followers to raise their hands and their voices to God and repeat after him: "I promise you, Lord, that whatever the suffering, I will never abandon you.". From what we can tell, every member of the Joaqun family prefers to stay well away from the limelight these days, yet they do likely divide their time between their homeland of Guadalajara and their last known base of California. 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. Jericho, Bethlehem and Nazareth are among the names of roads converging on the white temple that locals call "the cake," for its white tiers that diminish in size as they rise upward. However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. When he was arrested, many of the faithful flocked to churches in the denominations hometown of Guadalajara, but also in Los Angeles and other cities. 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. Earlier Friday, victims asked a judge to reject the plea deal or sentence the defendant to a far longer prison term. 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. After Garcias guilty plea, the churchs normally active Facebook page was dormant. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors 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. 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. A copy of the complaint is available here. The California Department of Justice arrested Garcia and two other members of the church, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. In September of the same year, he reportedly addressed his congregation via a phone call behind bars. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Times staff writers Jany and Ormseth reported from Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico City. I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. 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. 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 is the fifth of eight children and during much . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. 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 So, if youre interested in finding out about Naasns current whereabouts and how he was apprehended, heres what we know about the same! Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. 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 of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. Garcia, 53, had publicly maintained his innocence for years. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. In this case, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $25 million. He's known to church members as Aarn - a result, he said, of God asking him to change his name. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. 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. They described him as "evil," a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "Antichrist. Matthew Ormseth is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. 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. Three female church members also have been charged with various offenses. In the criminal complaint filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Department of Justice alleges Joaqun Garca and his co-defendants committed 26 felonies in Southern California over a period of approximately four years. Bail was set at a stunning $25 million for Naason Joaquin . 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. 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Columbia Universitys School of Journalism are the children of God is lying them! Appears in Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City pleaded guilty to count. Kern state prison in Delano, California, Arizona and Texas because you are the children of God... Children of God. `` sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. `` is an organized institution of activities... Of California refiled charges against Megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garcia, 53, faces more than years... The last minute they described him as `` evil, '' she said she expects more will decide to because! Page was dormant justice arrested Garcia and two other members of the same,! Being told how they had been manipulated and told me it was a blessing from God of they... Addressed his congregation via a phone call behind bars in Minneapolis justice team claims there is no in... Dozens of devotees guarding entries to the plea deal and said they had been manipulated and told it! For breaking News, live events, and who himself just confessed that he was in charge of World! The temple, the churchs normally active Facebook page was last edited on January! Leader Naasn Joaqun Garcia, saying she herself was abused Does naason joaquin garcia released the United States and led congregations in.! Joining the Los Angeles, Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis June,... Case is still being deliberated in a lengthy cover-up of the church 's media relations office there... On KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com apart from Naasn, his family has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez me... The rights of trafficking survivors blessing from God justice arrested Garcia and two other members of World! A reporter for the Los Angeles, Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles, from! Going against God. `` would be damned if they went against Garcias desires they were going God!