Earlier in 2020, a former La Luz Del Mundo church member, Sochil Martin, sued the church and its leaders. Nearly all closed their eyes. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. 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. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. Yet legions of followers ofNaasn Joaqun Garcain his home base in Mexico remain fervently loyal to him, viewing his imprisonment as a challenge that will strengthen their church, La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World), rather than weaken it. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! 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. 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. 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. Joaqun Garca was held on $50 million bail, Ocampo on $25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail. "For us everything is very nice, everything continues to work," she said. 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. Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. She was accused of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual pleasure. Newsweek has asked the office of California's attorney general for comment on the church's claims. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? 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. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. She said she does not think the plea deal will result in a total crisis for the institution.. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. Thus, the Church of Light assured that based on the motion submitted it is clear that his constitutional rights have been unjustly violated, putting this as the main reason why he should be released. One commenter speculated about whether the terms of the plea deal might call for Garcia to out other alleged abusers in the church. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. 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. World Crime Sexual abuse. After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's been held without . "Ministers, pastors and deacons have their same duties. 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. The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. The KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com. 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. On June 8, 2022, Naasn was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months behind bars. Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California. "The apostle always shows determination to move forward," said Phares Ruiz, who traveled from El Salvador to attend the Holy Supper. ", Garca "will continue ministering to the church," the statement said. "It is not sufficient to say 'I have converted' or "I have baptized'" she said. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth They have power, they have the money, she added. By Khaleda Rahman On 6/9/22 at 4:57 AM EDT. Posted on 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes. Shame on you!". This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. 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. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. 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. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? 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. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing girls in his congregation. 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. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. by CNS June 8, 2022. 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Since having carried out harassment of minors, touching and rape. "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman who described herself as his niece. [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. 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. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large. (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 . 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 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. [6] On June 8, 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison. 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. Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, Garcia had maintained almost universal support within the church. Ahead of the baptism, in a ritual known as "the revivals," children undergo days of prayer and fasting inside a temple. A megachurch has defended its leader after he was sentenced to more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing . He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. 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? She has pleaded guilty to four counts as part of a deal in 2020. 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. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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. La Luz del Mundo dissidents seek more charges . Its not me thats doing this, this is what God wants you to do, Thiagarajah told Brian Ross. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. 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. 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. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. ", "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman identified as Jane Doe 4 and said she was his niece. Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? 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. The home base of the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for "beautiful province." 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. Are You Taking It? 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. 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. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand up for survivors and fight back against abuse. [12]. They described him as "evil," a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "Antichrist. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. 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. 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. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM Garcia, charged with 23 counts of child sex abuse, is being held on $90 million bail; trial is scheduled for November. Nevertheless, there are former members who say their ceremony was not optional. 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. 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. 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. I believe she [Ocampo] was brainwashed, said Martin. The church says it has congregations in all 50 American states. 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. 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. Is lying to them or that hes committing a crime against them blessing from God, forcible rape a... Church 's doctrine is learned from the cradle Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large fourth defendant Azalea! Is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com in. 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