HBOs Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo peeks behind the closed doors of the Mexican Christian megachurch La Luz Del Mundo and sheds light on the rampant sexual abuse faced by several minors by the church leaders. 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. 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. 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. Garcia, 53, had publicly maintained his innocence for years. They go along with it because they think its a blessing. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A trial date has been set for Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of the Mexico-based megachurch La Luz del Mundo who is facing a number of sex abuse charges. Over several hours, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca. March 21, 2022 17:02 ET | Source: The Light of the World. Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, Garcia had maintained almost universal support within the church. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. 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. Earlier Friday, victims asked a judge to reject the plea deal or sentence the defendant to a far longer prison term. Like other women in Hermosa Provincia, she wears dresses and skirts that are not form-fitting, eschews makeup and earrings and wears her hair long. My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case. Sara Pozos, 49, is among many in the neighborhood who believe their leader's imprisonment has strengthened the church. September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM [10] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico. 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. 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. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. 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. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. Emailus. She joined the newsroom in 2018 and spent several years working on the criminal justice team. It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. 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. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. 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. 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. 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. 6 min read. They can never accept responsibility for themselves and for their actions. Since having carried out harassment of minors, touching and rape. And theyre accepting that narrative that he had no choice, that he is innocent and this is all still some kind of farce.. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. In September of the same year, he reportedly addressed his congregation via a phone call behind bars. [1] Early life [ edit] 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. A fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California. 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. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. A California appeals court ordered the . The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. 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 . 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. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. "You have to follow certain steps to prove your loyalty.". On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. 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.. 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. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand up for survivors and fight back against abuse. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. 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 was also part of the team that was a 2020 Pulitzer finalist for its coverage of the Conception boat fire off the Channel Islands. 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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. Contact: (916) 210-6000, [email protected], 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. 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. The decision by Ocampo followed weeks of testimony by California state agents about her role in delivering young women to Garcia for sexually deviant acts, many of which she recorded on video for him. list of benue state deputy governors list of benue state deputy governors 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. Ahead of the baptism, in a ritual known as "the revivals," children undergo days of prayer and fasting inside a temple. In addition to Joaqun Garca, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca were also arrested. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. 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. They allegedly were told that if they went against Garcias desires they were going against God. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. One commenter speculated about whether the terms of the plea deal might call for Garcia to out other alleged abusers in the church. On Sept. 8 a lawsuit was filed in California against Joaqun Garca and four church members alleged to be complicit in the sex abuse. While Flores was never charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the subsequent charges against him made international headlines. Many lifted their fists. Prosecutors said Garca, who is considered the "apostle" of Jesus by the church's millions of followers, used his position to have sex with girls and young women in the congregation. 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. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. And it shouldnt be, the lawyer continued. The arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice. I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. Garca, 53, received a sentence of 16 years and 8 months in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. Born on May 7, 1969, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Naasn Joaqun Garcia was the fifth of Mexican church leader Samuel Joaqun Flores eight children. He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. The conviction comes just days ahead of trial, which was set to begin on Monday. In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. I know how hard it is for them to see Naason like a normal person that also does bad things, she said. Those born in the community are baptized at 14 because, according to the church, that lets them decide whether to reaffirm or leave the faith. [8], He was transferred to North Kern State Prison for evaluations to determine his placement within the prison system. 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. "Ministers, pastors and deacons have their same duties. They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I did cry, because I was saying, 'God, deliver me from this, make this time pass quickly,'" Haifa said from Texas. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. 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. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. 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. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Best coffee city in the world? We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. The lawsuit includes detailed accounts from the five plaintiffs alleging that they were pressured by Joaqun Garca and his associates into performing for pornographic photo shoots, and were forced to engage in sex acts with him. Garcia has been in jail for nearly three years awaiting trial, since state prosecutors charged him with abusing girls who belonged to his Mexico-based megachurch. 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. 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. 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. 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