One remains on the run, while another has agreed to testify against Garcia, saying she herself was abused. The alleged crimes committed by Garcia occurred between 2015 and 2019. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. And still the bishops and the hierarchy are lying to the members. by CNS June 8, 2022. They bless the bread, the wine, and do other things as if he were here, although physically he is not.". Many organization leaders, including Susana and Alondra, were accused of being the perpetrators. 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. 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. Ahead of the baptism, in a ritual known as "the revivals," children undergo days of prayer and fasting inside a temple. 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Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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 . 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? Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. 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. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. God has his plan.. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. 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. "SHAME, SHAME ON YOU!": California judge scolds families for abandoning sexual abuse survivors before sentencing self-declared "apostle" Naasn Joaqun Garc. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. 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. Moreover, if they denied or hesitated, they were blackmailed by being told how they were defying Gods will. Yet, despite the charges against Naasn, his followers and the La Luz del Mundo continued supporting him and believing his claims of innocence. Its not me thats doing this, this is what God wants you to do, Thiagarajah told Brian Ross. According to VICE, the 53-year-old was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in June 2019. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. 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"It has been a very difficult issue, of course, for him and for us," she added. 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. 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. 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 home base of the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for "beautiful province." Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. Naasn was revered among his church community, but things came crashing down around 2019 when he and two of his associates, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, came under the polices radar. By Khaleda Rahman On 6/9/22 at 4:57 AM EDT. He's known to church members as Aarn - a result, he said, of God asking him to change his name. "I do not see the bars that separate me from you," he told his followers. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. 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. They go along with it because they think its a blessing. But still just purely drinking from that information trough only from the Church. 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. 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. Joaqun Garca, 53, was arrested in 2019 in California. Defendants facing state criminal allegations are eligible for bail in most cases, allowing them to await future court dates out of police custody if they have the financial resources to post bail. Emailus. LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are shocked by the facts in the recent motion filed by defense attorney Alan Jackson on . Los Angeles, A $150,000 executive protection dog? Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. 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.. It should be reiterated that this religious entity, like its leader, has been surrounded by controversies, investigations and allegations: in December 2020, the Financial Intelligence Unit filed five complaints against it. 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. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. And it shouldnt be, the lawyer continued. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. The state of California refiled charges against Megachurch leader Naasn Joaqun Garca last week for child rape and human trafficking. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. We will hold you accountable if you break the law, Atty. This page was last edited on 27 January 2023, at 01:49. / CBS/AP. Aarn's wife was the church's first member. 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. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". Efforts to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation. "And for those family members that have abandoned you, shame! After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's been held without . While its leader, Naasn Joaqun Garca, has been idolized by millions of followers as an apostle of God, he just pleaded guilty to child sex abuse charges in Los Angeles on June 3. 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. Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico. 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. So far he remains imprisoned in the United States. World Crime Sexual abuse. #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. La Luz del Mundo dissidents seek more charges . 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. Offenders and people accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison. 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. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. 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. 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. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. He is currently charged on more than 30 counts, including possession of child pornography, human. Although, he denied the charges, including raping and trafficking girls from his congregation. 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. 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.. 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. ", "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman identified as Jane Doe 4 and said she was his niece. Some knelt and wept. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. https://t.co/nTcxEFtidU. A copy of the complaint is available here. 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. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. 6 min read. Garca, 53, received a sentence of 16 years and 8 months in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday. 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. The other individuals named in the complaint are Alondra Ocampo, Azalea Rangel Melendez, and Susana Medina Oaxaca, all of whom are affiliated with La Luz Del Mundo. [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. [emailprotected]. She has pleaded guilty to four counts as part of a deal in 2020. Garcias lawyers didnt immediately return requests for comment; a church spokesman had no immediate comment. 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. The man who leads a huge international church and calls himself the Apostle has now been abandoned for a second time by one of the women who allegedly groomed and recruited teenage girls from the church for him to sexually abuse. The conviction comes just days ahead of trial, which was set to begin on Monday. [emailprotected]. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. Over several hours, the victims detailed horrific abuse by Garca. The attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca's sentence as "a critical step forward for justice. "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. 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. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. (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 . Damian Dovarganes / AP The. And theyre going to keep running with this as long as they possibly can until somebody puts a stop to it.. It should be recalled that just on March 15, a 211-page motion was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court by defense attorney Alan Jackson, claiming that the California Prosecutor's Office fabricated incriminating evidence, created reports based on false evidence, erased and concealed exculpatory evidence.. From what we can tell, every member of the Joaqun family prefers to stay well away from the limelight these days, yet they do likely divide their time between their homeland of Guadalajara and their last known base of California. 0 . Her attorney previously told The Times that Ocampo herself suffered years of sexual abuse in the church when she was a minor. If you see something, report it and we will vigorously pursue justice.. From the walls hang photographs of Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo. Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. In addition to Joaqun Garca, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca were also arrested. 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. On the other hand, a 19-page complaint was filed in court against Naasn by five unnamed victims. "I just want to tell the Jane Does that the world has heard you," the judge said, according to the Los Angeles Times. 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. So, if youre interested in finding out about Naasns current whereabouts and how he was apprehended, heres what we know about the same! 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 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. Flores died in 2014 and passed the mantle of apostle on to Garcia. 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. SACRAMENTO - California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arrest and filing of charges against Naasn Joaqun Garca (Joaqun Garca) and his co-defendants for alleged human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. 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. 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. While he maintained his innocence for three years, Garca has . 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. [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. Emailus. 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.. 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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". Sexual assault is never acceptable. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. Another neighborhood resident, Sailem Castillo, also said she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca's imprisonment. 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. 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. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman who described herself as his niece. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. #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. They described him as "evil," a "monster," "disgusting human waste" and the "Antichrist. Garcia is said to have coerced girls in his congregation to engage in various sex acts over the years. He called Garca a sexual predator. 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