Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism. 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. 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. 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. 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.Garca and his co-defendants allegedly committed these crimes between 2015 and 2018 while leading La Luz . The church was founded in 1926 by Garcias grandfather, who was succeeded by Garcias father, Samuel Joaquin Flores. [11], He is married to Alma Zamora, and they have three children: Adoram, Elda, Sibma. "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. Faithful attend a Santa Cena or Holy Supper service in the La Luz del Mundo or the Light of the World flagship temple in Guadalajara, Mexico, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. Bail was set at a stunning $25 million for Naason Joaquin . "Instead of protecting those innocent women, Naasn and the church fostered and then brutally preyed on their blind trust and allegiance in the 'Apostle'". Nassn Joaqun continues to be the leader of La Luz del Mundo church and one of the most powerful ministers of worship in Mexico. 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. Joaquin Garca is described as serious, fearsome and strong-willed by those who know him, but there is little public information about him before his rise to power. Yet for now, if you simply wish to learn more about those personally near the incumbent Apostle throughout these years his wife and his children weve got the necessary details for you. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. Libor Jany covers the Los Angeles Police Department. 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. Naason Joaqun Garcia was arrested at the airport in Los Angeles, California, in June 2019. There are apparently video clips of them engaging in such atrocious acts, some of which even go as far as to include extreme incest. 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. 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. 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. They can never accept responsibility for themselves and for their actions. 0 . The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the charges. 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. 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. La Luz del Mundo is sometimes described as evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. And unfortunately, I see a lot of lamentations of family and family members that are out online saying that they feel very sad, he said. 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. 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. 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. ", They spoke of how they had been manipulated and told they would be damned if they refused. Originally facing 36 charges, Garcia at the last minute took a plea deal that called for him to admit to three counts, the state attorney generals office announced Friday: two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child who was 15 years old. World Crime Sexual abuse. 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. Naasn Joaqun Garca in Los Angeles County Superior Court on June 8. "You have to follow certain steps to prove your loyalty.". 2023 Cinemaholic 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. 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. Held in jail on $90-million bail, Garcia faced charges ranging from human trafficking and rape to forcible oral copulation of a minor and possession of child pornography. 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. We will hold you accountable if you break the law, Atty. 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. Leila Miller is a foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times based in Mexico City. They also alleged the church was involved in a lengthy cover-up of the sexual misconduct. From the walls hang photographs of Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to stand up for survivors and fight back against abuse. 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. According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. The church's doctrine is learned from the cradle. Times staff writers Jany and Ormseth reported from Los Angeles, Miller from Mexico City. "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. Efforts to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation. 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. 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. She said she does not think the plea deal will result in a total crisis for the institution.. . 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. 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. 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 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. [7], Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo were also charged. 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. 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. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter.". 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. So far he remains imprisoned in the United States. The leader of a Mexico-based evangelical megachurch has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to three sex-related counts involving minors. 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. 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. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. 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. 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. Sexual assault is never acceptable. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. Their spiritual leader is behind bars in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors. 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. And theyre accepting that narrative that he had no choice, that he is innocent and this is all still some kind of farce.. Have a tip or story idea? Many news outlets in Mexico featured Garcias guilty plea on their homepages Friday evening, including the online website Animal Politico and newspaper El Universal. "He used me over and over again like a sacrificial lamb taken to slaughter. [3][4][5] Two days before his trial, Naasn Joaqun Garcia pleaded guilty to three charges related to sexually abusing children. Posted on 26 Feb in greenshield pharmacy intervention codes. With dual nationality, he was in charge of the church in the United States and led congregations in California, Arizona and Texas. And NOW is the time to stand up and fight.. In total, there are more than 30 crimes in total, including child pornography and trafficking in persons, committed between 2015 and 2018. She will be sentenced at a later date. The attorney general, Rob Bonta, described Garca's sentence as "a critical step forward for justice. 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. 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. Contact: (916) 210-6000, [email protected], State of California Department of Justice, Consumer Protection and Economic Opportunity, California Justice Information Services (CJIS), helped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, push for the passage of the federal Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, Attorney General Becerra Announces Arrest of Naasn Joaqu. They prayed, they talked to journalists, they protested their leaders innocence. "I just want to tell the Jane Does that the world has heard you," the judge said, according to the Los Angeles Times. The survivors had objected to the plea deal and said they had only found out about it at the last minute. In exchange, prosecutors dropped 16 counts that included allegations of raping children and women, as well as human trafficking to produce child pornography. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. Emailus. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. This is not an organized religion, this is an organized institution of criminal activities thats been running for 96 years. 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. "SHAME, SHAME ON YOU!": California judge scolds families for abandoning sexual abuse survivors before sentencing self-declared "apostle" Naasn Joaqun Garc. 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.. We reiterate that his procedural and constitutional rights must remain in force, such as the presumption of innocence and the right to due process, as well as the right to be judged impartially and without bias. the spokesman said. Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. La Luz del Mundo dissidents seek more charges . They urged Judge Ronald Coen to impose a longer sentence, but he responded that his "hands are tied" by the agreement. We must not turn a blind eye to sexual violence and trafficking in our state. 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. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. [8], He was transferred to North Kern State Prison for evaluations to determine his placement within the prison system. As per court documents, the complainants alleged he sexually abused one woman and three minors, also raping the woman and another child. They allegedly were told that if they went against Garcias desires they were going against God. For them, hes a saint that does everything well., Renee de la Torre is a researcher in Guadalajara for the Center of Research and Graduate Studies in Social Anthropology and has studied La Luz del Mundo. Church member Alondra Ocampo was expected to testify against him. [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. "Knowing that these abuses took place there, in my happy place, in my safe place, is horrible," she said. 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. 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. He called Garca a sexual predator. And it shouldnt be, the lawyer continued. They had once been his most devoted servants. Naasn Joaqun Garca leads a service at his church "La Luz del Mundo" in Guadalajara, Mexico on Aug. 9, 2018. The suit was filed by five women who - under the pseudonym Jane Doe - were identified as victims in the original criminal charges against him. 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 them and used the religion as ammunition against them. 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. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. 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. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Even outside the temple, the sound of his voice stirred emotions among dozens of devotees guarding entries to the sanctuary. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. Said parishioner Robert Pelegreen at the time: When David was going to fight Goliath, it looked like he was going to lose. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. [1] Early life [ edit] This biographical article about a Mexican religious figure is a stub. The investigation began in 2018, in part, because of information submitted to the California Department of Justice through the clergy abuse online complaint form. As a result, he pled guilty to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child who was 15 years old. Have a tip or story idea? The KCAL News Staff is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on KCALNews.com and CBSLA.com. "I do not see the bars that separate me from you," he told his followers. ", 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. 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.. "The church weaponized the faith of their most vulnerable members," said Jonati Joey Yedidsion, one of the lawyers handling the lawsuit. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. 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. According to VICE, the 53-year-old was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in June 2019. In California alone it has about 50 locations. Ocampo has been held in custody for more than a year since her arrest with Garcia on his private jet at the Los Angeles airport by California law enforcement. Matthew Ormseth is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times. 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. Martin, a former church member, told the Law&Crime Network how she was then coerced into helping to recruit other young women and participated in the taping of lurid sex scenes involving the teens and Garcia. 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. After several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. On June 8, 2022, Naasn was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months behind bars. Newsweek has asked the office of California's attorney general for comment on the church's claims. Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Contact: (916) 210-6000, [email protected] OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement on the nearly 17-year prison sentence imposed by the court for Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo. A California appeals court ordered the . Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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 . 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. 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. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. 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. The bail to be able to leave is 50 million dollars, one of the highest in history. 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. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. He was sentenced to more than 16 years after making a plea deal. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. This led to the position of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through a statement. "We all suffer something in life, but one learns to know those moments where you see that God is doing something to help you, to get ahead, not to let you fall.". [emailprotected]. First published on June 8, 2022 / 3:01 PM. 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. 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