"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. Over several hours, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca. ", "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman identified as Jane Doe 4 and said she was his niece. 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.. 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. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. Im sure hell survive but I doubt it will be happy. The arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice. After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's been held without . 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". The home base of the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for "beautiful province." 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. According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. According to VICE, the 53-year-old was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in June 2019. 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Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. Since having carried out harassment of minors, touching and rape. Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. 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. The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. Rob Bonta said in a news release issued late Friday afternoon. 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. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. 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.. Sept. 19, 2022 11:27 AM PT Naasn Joaqun Garca, head of the Mexico-based La Luz del Mundo megachurch, pleaded guilty in June to sexually abusing girls from his congregation and was sentenced to. 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. 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. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. Gen. 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? Garcia, charged with 23 counts of child sex abuse, is being held on $90 million bail; trial is scheduled for November. [2], He continues to be named as Legal Representative of the church in Mexico in spite of having been convicted of child sex crimes. 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. They can never accept responsibility for themselves and for their actions. 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. Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, Garcia had maintained almost universal support within the church. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. The jailed leader is the grandson of La Luz del Mundo's founder: Eusebio Joaqun Gonzlez, a member of the military who began preaching in 1926. Thats because it charts not just the way the titular Mexican non-traditional Christian Church took advantage of minors for years but also the 2019 apprehension of leader Naasn Joaqun Garcia. ", Garca "will continue ministering to the church," the statement said. 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. 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. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo, pleaded guilty to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act on a child who was 15. 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. 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[7], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged. 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. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. #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. . Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury in June. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please enter valid email address to continue. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. 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. But still just purely drinking from that information trough only from the Church. The conviction comes just days ahead of trial, which was set to begin on Monday. 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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior. While Naasn maintained he was innocent for several months as he awaited his trial, in a shocking turn of events, he accepted a plea deal just three days before his trial commenced in June 2022. 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. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. We will hold you accountable if you break the law, Atty. 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. Have a tip or story idea? The church says it has congregations in all 50 American states. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. "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," the church said. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. 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. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . His unexpected plea change came during an unannounced hearing Friday, which was only disclosed after the fact in a news release. Joaqun Garca was held on $50 million bail, Ocampo on $25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail. [11], He is married to Alma Zamora, and they have three children: Adoram, Elda, Sibma. Another codefendant, Susana Medina Oaxaca, who was Garcias former assistant, pleaded guilty Friday to a charge of assault likely to cause great bodily injury, Bontas office said. 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. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. Posted on 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes. The case has been difficult for some former members who have distanced themselves from the church. 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. Garcia is said to have coerced girls in his congregation to engage in various sex acts over the years. 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. 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. 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. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. I know how hard it is for them to see Naason like a normal person that also does bad things, she said. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. Joaqun Garca's prison sentence in June came after nearly three hours of emotional statements by five young women he was charged with sexually abusing. "You have to follow certain steps to prove your loyalty.". 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. When the women tried to expose Garca, they found themselves isolated and shunned by the church community, including members of their own families. 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, recalled one young woman, testifying as Jane Doe out of fear of reprisals. / KCAL News. One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. "Instead of protecting those innocent women, Naasn and the church fostered and then brutally preyed on their blind trust and allegiance in the 'Apostle'". The attorney general of California, Xavier Becerra, has even said that he is a madman. The leader, of the Church of Light, today behind bars of a prison in California, is accused, along with three accomplices, of multiple crimes. 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. 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.. In September of the same year, he reportedly addressed his congregation via a phone call behind bars. Garcawho took over as "apostle" after his father, Samuel Joaqun Flores, died in 2014had been subjected to a prosecution where evidence was "suppressed, withheld, doctored and altered," the statement said. 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. [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. But in court they called him "evil" and a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "antichrist. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. 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. 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. Nearly all closed their eyes. 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. by CNS June 8, 2022. Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. (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 . Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico. "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. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. He called Garca a sexual predator. "Knowing that these abuses took place there, in my happy place, in my safe place, is horrible," she said. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. 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. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are shocked by the facts in the recent motion filed by defense attorney Alan Jackson on . They had once been his most devoted servants. 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. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. Sexual assault is never acceptable. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. Today it claims a membership of more than 5 million in some 50 nations. 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. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. His continued hold on his flock was evident recently at the Christian church's main temple in Guadalajara, as thousands gathered to pray for their absent leader during their Holy Supper, the most sacred festivity for La Luz del Mundo. 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. A fourth defendant, Azalea Rangel Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. 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. Church member Alondra Ocampo was expected to testify against him. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. She said she does not think the plea deal will result in a total crisis for the institution.. In exchange, prosecutors dropped 16 counts that included allegations of raping children and women, as well as human trafficking to produce child pornography. [1] Early life [ edit] 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. The alleged crimes committed by Garcia occurred between 2015 and 2019. We should mention that according to Vice, apart from Naasn, his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors. 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. 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. Its not me thats doing this, this is what God wants you to do, Thiagarajah told Brian Ross. [emailprotected]. Los Angeles, A $150,000 executive protection dog? In total, there are more than 30 crimes in total, including child pornography and trafficking in persons, committed between 2015 and 2018. 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. 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. This led to the position of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through a statement. 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. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. 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. Emailus. "It has been a very difficult issue, of course, for him and for us," she added. My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case. [9] He will soon face a civil trial for such crimes as human trafficking and forced labor. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand up for survivors and fight back against abuse. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. Many believe he was sent by God to preach to them and are convinced he is innocent, despite his guilty plea. 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. Aarn's wife was the church's first member. Most teachings translate into something quotidian. March 21, 2022 17:02 ET | Source: The Light of the World. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. Melendez, who was previously charged with rape, is still at-large claims a membership of than. Damned if they refused can never accept responsibility for themselves and for us ''! Was transferred to the charges, including naason joaquin garcia released and trafficking girls from his congregation to in! Said she was his niece, despite his guilty plea law, Atty purely drinking from that trough. Within the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for beautiful... 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General of California, in court in Los Angeles Times based in Mexico of voice., his family has also faced accusations of sexual abuse against minors each other `` brother '' and ``! Out to all those affected by the California Department of Justice June 8 in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes also accusations. Vice, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca [ 11 ], he denied the against. Members who have distanced themselves from the church was transferred to the church says it has been to. A minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona the 53-year-old was arrested at the Airport June... Assault likely to cause great bodily injury in June 2019 a fourth defendant, Rangel... Abuse and human trafficking and forced labor count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury June...
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