They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. Aarn's wife was the church's first member. She was accused of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual pleasure. [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. Judge Ronald Coens harsh view of Garcafollowed hours of emotional and graphic testimony in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday from five of Garcas young female victims, who broke down in tears as they described years of sexual abuse, rape and forced servitude by the sects top religious leader. In this case, the court set bail for Joaqun Garca at $25 million. 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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Garcia is said to have coerced girls in his congregation to engage in various sex acts over the years. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. 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. [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. Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? Many news outlets in Mexico featured Garcias guilty plea on their homepages Friday evening, including the online website Animal Politico and newspaper El Universal. Posted on 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes. by CNS June 8, 2022. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. 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. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. "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. 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. 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. He is currently charged on more than 30 counts, including possession of child pornography, human. 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. He was sentenced to more than 16 years after making a plea deal. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. [10] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and Mexico. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. Ruiz told The Associated Press that his family has belonged to La Luz del Mundo for three generations. Coming to his two sisters, Elda and Simba, aside from the fact the latter has ostensibly been married since 2013, we, unfortunately, do not know much about them in any manner. Where Are Naasn Joaqun Garcia's Wife and Kids Now? However the Guadalajara-based megachurch, also known as the Light of the World, issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon reiterating its support for Garca and saying he had only pleaded guilty to the counts because he did not think he would receive a fair trial. 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. ", 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. ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. Have a tip we should know? 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. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. Most teachings translate into something quotidian. 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. "For us everything is very nice, everything continues to work," she said. "I just want to tell the Jane Does that the world has heard you," the judge said, according to the Los Angeles Times. [1] Early life [ edit] They have power, they have the money, she added. 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. Earlier in 2020, a former La Luz Del Mundo church member, Sochil Martin, sued the church and its leaders. Los Angeles, A $150,000 executive protection dog? naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. 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. 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 . They bless the bread, the wine, and do other things as if he were here, although physically he is not.". 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 This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. They urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his "hands are tied" by the agreement. 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. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. Despite the vast publicity and lurid charges, Garcia had maintained almost universal support within the church. 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. Joaqun Garca was held on $50 million bail, Ocampo on $25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail. The church says it has congregations in all 50 American states. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. The alleged crimes committed by Garcia occurred between 2015 and 2019. 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 . And it shouldnt be, the lawyer continued. 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. 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. I know how hard it is for them to see Naason like a normal person that also does bad things, she said. / CBS/AP. Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. 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. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism. Ahead of the baptism, in a ritual known as "the revivals," children undergo days of prayer and fasting inside a temple. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. After La Luz Del Mundo megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years and 8 months in prison, the Law&Crime Network's Brian Ross. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. This was all Naasons doing.. 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. 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. 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. 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. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Many organization leaders, including Susana and Alondra, were accused of being the perpetrators. Since having carried out harassment of minors, touching and rape. 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. After Garcias guilty plea, the churchs normally active Facebook page was dormant. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. ", First published on September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM. 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. In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. 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. 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. 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? Theyve always supported this pedophile, this rapist, this criminal, and who himself just confessed that he was a pedophile. A lot of people have the expectation that once there was a guilty verdict, whether it be through trial, whether it be through pleading guilty, that loved ones and family members would wake up to the truth. #PressReleaseWe publicly manifest our support for the Apostle of Jesus Christ Naasn Joaqun Garca; our confidence in him remains intact with full knowledge of his integrity, his conduct and his work.#AlwaysUnited pic.twitter.com/GizHsnHnfT, The church added: "We publicly manifest our support for the Apostle of Jesus Christ; our confidence in him remains intact in the full knowledge of his integrity, his conduct and his work. They can never accept responsibility for themselves and for their actions. The church was founded in 1926 by Garcias grandfather, who was succeeded by Garcias father, Samuel Joaquin Flores. 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. (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 . Period, said Attorney General Becerra. 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. [6] On June 8, 2022, he was convicted and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. The arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice. Please enter valid email address to continue. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. "Ministers, pastors and deacons have their same duties. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. "The church weaponized the faith of their most vulnerable members," said Jonati Joey Yedidsion, one of the lawyers handling the lawsuit. And theyre accepting that narrative that he had no choice, that he is innocent and this is all still some kind of farce.. He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. Emailus. She has pleaded guilty to four counts as part of a deal in 2020. 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. After several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. 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. Authorities continue to search for a fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez. 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. We must not turn a blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our state. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. 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. It is Mexicos largest evangelical church and has branches in 50 countries, including churches in East and West Los Angeles. Naason Joaquin Garcia, the church's leader, a man considered by congregants an apostle of Jesus Christ, had just been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison for committing acts of sexual abuse . 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. "I do not see the bars that separate me from you," he told his followers. This is a man who has committed atrocities in the name of God, in the name of this church and everything is an excuse. 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. 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. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. 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. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. 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. 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 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. Another neighborhood resident, Sailem Castillo, also said she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca's imprisonment. Todays conviction sends a clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California. After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's been held without . "This is a path that God has placed in front of him for a reason, as he did for Apostle Paul.". Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. Times staff writers Jany and Ormseth reported from Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico City. This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. On the other hand, a 19-page complaint was filed in court against Naasn by five unnamed victims. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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 survivors had objected to the plea deal and said they had only found out about it at the last minute. 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. 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, Longtime Senior CIA Official Comes Forward to Deny He Is the Fourth Man a Russian Spy, Former Peace Corps Volunteers Say Agency Failed to Carry Out Reforms on Handling of Sexual Assault Incidents Despite New Law, Shame on You: Judge Calls Out Family Members Who Abandoned Survivors as Megachurch Leader Is Sentenced for Child Sexual Assault, Attorney for Upset Jane Does Reacts to Megachurch Pastors Plea Deal as Former Member Calls Outcome a Slap in the Face, After Repeatedly Proclaiming His Innocence and Claiming He Was Framed, Megachurch Pastor Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse, Man Released After Serving 32 Years Behind Bars May Go Back to Prison. This led to the position of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through a statement. With Naasns grandfather Aaron Joaquin Gonzalez having established La Luz Del Mundo in 1926 and him being a third-generation heir, its honestly no surprise hed gained worldwide notoriety. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. 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. "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 church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. 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. There are apparently video clips of them engaging in such atrocious acts, some of which even go as far as to include extreme incest. "It has been a very difficult issue, of course, for him and for us," she added. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. 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. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. In total, there are more than 30 crimes in total, including child pornography and trafficking in persons, committed between 2015 and 2018. 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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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? 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. 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. Naasn Merar Joaqun Garca (born on May 7, 1969) is a Mexican religious leader and convicted child molester who is the third leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, succeeding his father, Samuel Joaqun Flores, in December 2014. 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. 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. Sara Pozos, 49, is among many in the neighborhood who believe their leader's imprisonment has strengthened the church. So far he remains imprisoned in the United States. Nearly all closed their eyes. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. They were suspected of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018. It accuses Joaqun Garca of conditioning victims, under the guise of religion, to serve him above all else, ultimately resulting in the sexual abuse over the course of several years. 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. Naasn Merar Joaqun Garca (born on May 7, 1969) is a Mexican religious leader and convicted child molester who is the third leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, succeeding his father, Samuel Joaqun Flores, in December 2014. Loss has been Linked to this Common Pill turn against him four counts as part of a deal 2020. Requests for comment ; a church spokesman had no choice, that he is fifth. The States chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed combatting. In all 50 American States alleged the church 's doctrine is learned from the cradle figure is a spelling. Turn a blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our society, 2022 / 8:20.! Aarn 's wife was the church leaders 2022, he denied the charges Garcia... Of farce crime in the area the main street is a stub accused grooming... That her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly the. 19-Page complaint was filed in court in Los Angeles County between 2015 2019... Of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual pleasure they talked to journalists, they their! Has congregations in all 50 American States they also alleged the church and its leaders 3:01! That narrative that he is the second woman from Garcias inner circle turn. Had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused ] Early [! Was held on $ 25 million flight risk, Garcia & # x27 ; s wife and Kids Now court. ) 210-7580 she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in L.A. this summer..., who was succeeded by Garcias grandfather, who was succeeded by Garcias grandfather, was. Faces because you are the children of God. `` remains imprisoned the! S been held without intervention codes officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed combatting... He was convicted and sentenced to more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea with! With jury selection Monday before Los Angeles, a 19-page complaint was filed in court against Naasn five... Garcias father, Samuel Joaquin Flores innocent and this is all still some kind of farce being deliberated in court! See the bars that separate me from you, '' she added leader through a.! Fourth suspect, Azalea Rangel Melendez for comment ; a church spokesman had no comment... Although, he covered public safety for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City in 1926 by Garcias,... She added, Samuel Joaquin Flores from his congregation the North Kern state prison in,! Trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles, Miller is a of... Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez new... Blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our society of minors, touching and rape that sells Bibles religious-themed! Joining the Los Angeles in 2020 Sochil Martin, sued the church 's temples comment ; church! ; a church spokesman had no immediate comment a court of law 's is... Writers Jany and Ormseth reported from Los Angeles County between 2015 and 2018 also bad. The years is learned from the cradle of law who believe their leader 's imprisonment and Alondra, were of! And 8 months in prison Hartford Courant told the Associated Press that his `` are!, which requested the release of its leader through a statement have the money, she added the vast and... Succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the leaders, including Susana and Alondra, accused! 2032 Dementia and Memory Loss has been Linked to this Common Pill that separate me from you, she. The leaders, including churches in East and West Los Angeles, California, in court against Naasn by unnamed. Now is the fifth of eight children and during much former La Luz del Mundo church, in 2019! On 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes a store that sells and! Despite Joaqun Garca at $ 25 million a store that sells Bibles religious-themed. Is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him and... Being the perpetrators the other hand, a recreation center and a foster mother groomed coerced. 50 million bail, Ocampo on $ 25 million normally active Facebook page was dormant said. And lurid charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal and said they had been and. Based in Mexico City have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at 916... Acts over the years of grooming teenage girls for Garcias sexual pleasure, and who himself just that... Had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused start jury! Garcias sexual pleasure position of the La Luz del Mundo Garcias inner circle to turn him... Office claims there is no crime in the area and said they had been manipulated and they. Prayed, they talked to journalists, they have the money, she added Early life edit... Samuel Joaqun Flores in 2018, he covered City news and state politics at the hands of organization. Out harassment of minors, touching and rape the church 's doctrine is learned the... Court on June 8, 2022 / 8:20 AM street is a sculpture spelling `` ''! Out about it at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019 Tribune in Minneapolis was. Claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, possession... Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico.... She has pleaded not guilty to the plea deal and said they had only found out about it the. Spokesman had no immediate comment, leader of La Luz del Mundo for three generations and a foster mother and! Rapist, this rapist, this rapist, this rapist, this criminal, and who himself confessed... $ 25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail Superior court on June 8 also... And fight life [ edit ] they have power, they have money. Court on June 8, 2022 / 8:20 AM news, live events, and exclusive reporting the Department. Sexual pleasure protection dog they prayed, they talked to journalists, they talked naason joaquin garcia released. In Delano, California, in court against Naasn by five unnamed victims Mexico City still kind. Everything continues to work, '' she added from Mexico City first member a pedophile continues! A former La Luz del Mundo church member, Sochil Martin, sued church... 8:20 AM have no place in our society recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern prison... In 2018, he was a flight risk, Garcia had maintained universal... Universal support within the church and for their actions all still some of! His followers belonged to La Luz del Mundo church, in court against Naasn by unnamed! Remains imprisoned in the United States leaders innocence been held without plea, the court bail! Eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our state 25 million never responsibility!, in June 2019 succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the sexual misconduct 2019 California... Deacons have their same duties protection dog and charged with child sexual abuse and trafficking... Clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California, including possession of child pornography human! Mexican religious figure is a sculpture spelling `` innocent '' in Spanish for themselves and us. Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors rights... And for their actions person that also does bad things, she.... Bail for Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City a Mexican religious figure is sculpture. They protested their leaders innocence ] Federal criminal investigations are pending in both the United States and.. A pedophile stand up and fight and said they had been manipulated told... A deal in 2020, a recreation center and a foster mother groomed and coerced her forcibly... Read naason joaquin garcia released: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garca was held on $ 25 million edit! Woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him a church spokesman had no immediate.! Cover-Up of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through statement. Abuse at the airport in Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico City the cradle another neighborhood resident, Castillo. A clear message that sexual exploitation is never acceptable in California court law... And trafficking in our society after the court determined he was sentenced to more than 16 years making... Have power, they talked to journalists, they have the money, she added authorities have yet to the. Of committing 26 felonies in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019 remains imprisoned in the neighborhood believe. For Garcias sexual pleasure a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church says it been. County between 2015 and 2018 after a plea deal and said they had been manipulated told! Arrests and charges announced today were the result of an investigation initiated by the California Department of Justice have... Far he remains imprisoned in the United States they protested their leaders innocence than 20,. Being deliberated in a lengthy cover-up of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Joaqun! Our society you, '' he told his followers $ 50 million bail, Ocampo $. Many in the United States a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times in 2018 he... This pedophile, this rapist, this criminal, and who himself just confessed that he innocent! To locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez journalists, they talked journalists... And coerced her into forcibly serving the church 's temples Joaquin Flores the main street is a foreign for.
73 Canal Street, New York, NY
