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. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. He initially faced more than 20 charges, but most were dismissed after a plea deal with prosecutors. 2023-01-18T21:52:39.473Z, CDU politician Kiesewetter blames ex-defense minister Guttenberg for the decline of the Bundeswehr 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. In denying a defense motion to dismiss the case, a judge said Garca used religion as invisible handcuffs to exploit his victims. On June 3, 2019, Naasn, Susana, and Alondra landed in a private jet at the Los Angeles International Airport, where they were arrested. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. We will hold you accountable if you break the law, said Attorney General Bonta. 2023-01-19T00:10:36.153Z, This is what the interior of the "invisible house" looks like, which is for sale for US$ 18 million 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 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. "For us everything is very nice, everything continues to work," she said. Another female co-defendant who was a member of the church, Susana Medina Oaxaca, 27, pleaded guilty Friday to assault likely to cause great bodily injury, a misdemeanor. 2023-01-18T22:16:34.318Z, These emoticons or emojis could alert you that your child uses drugs 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. Garcia, 53, had publicly maintained his innocence for years. Aarn's wife was the church's first member. However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. Explore More In Detail. A Teen Murder Victim's Horrific Diary Entry Helped Police Find Her Killer, Kai The Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker Was Arrested Months After His Viral Interview, Netflix's Latest True-Crime Docuseries Dives Into A $65 Billion Ponzi Scheme, 'The Last Of Us' Star Bella Ramsey Almost Didnt Take The Role Of Ellie, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. The investigation revealed numerous instances of sexual assault that occurred in Los Angeles County since 2015, the California attorney generals office reported. Congregation members in the neighborhood call each other "brother" and "sister" and take pride in helping one another. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. The 53-year-old pastor was sentenced to about 17 years in prison for sexual abuse of three minors. According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. 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. 2023-01-18T22:22:56.161Z, Agriculture in space: scientists receive samples sent to the International Space Station 2023-01-18T21:58:39.792Z, Manuela Schwesig: "I underestimated Putin's aggressiveness" After the big incident, the Naasn Joaqun Garcia Family has always decided to stay away from the LimeLight area as the area from which the family got bad recognition in 2019. 2023-01-18T23:22:51.824Z, Democratic Republic of the Congo: UN blue helmets find mass graves with almost 50 dead Alondra Ocampo, Naasn Joaqun's main accomplice, is sentenced to four years in prison and will soon be released Chronicles LLDM Info October 13, 2022 No Comments Ocampo had pleaded guilty to four counts related to recruiting minors to be abused by the leader of the 'La Luz del Mundo' church. 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. Despite the conviction, Garcas followers pledged to stand by him. 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. She claimed facing decades of abuse at the hands of the leaders, including Naasn and his late father, Samuel Joaqun Flores. La Luz del Mundo is sometimes described as evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term. Near the end of the call, Joaqun Garca asked his followers to raise their hands and their voices to God and repeat after him: "I promise you, Lord, that whatever the suffering, I will never abandon you.". A copy of the complaint is available here. This included allegations of human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. Naason Joaquin Garcia was arrested in L.A. this past summer and charged with child sexual abuse and human trafficking. The La Luz del Mundo church leader pleaded guilty Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon So, if youre interested in finding out about Naasns current whereabouts and how he was apprehended, heres what we know about the same! 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.. Kevin McCarthy is a famous politician and his scandal love life, Stimulus Check-In January 2023: Find Out More Updates, Will SSI Get A Fourth Stimulus Check? If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org. Garca and Oaxaca were arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport upon arrival into the United States and Ocampo was also arrested separately in Los Angeles County. 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. Apart from Naasn, his mother, wife, brother, and children were named in the lawsuit for being aware of the abuse. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. 2023-01-18T22:52:51.370Z, Russia-Ukraine war: USA apparently wants to deliver heavy weapons worth billions to Kyiv Similar accusations emerged in September last year, so the trial ended up being rescheduled for May 2022. 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. Nasson Joaquin Garcia admitted to two counts of forcible oral copulation with two individual minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child of the age of 15, according to a statement from the California attorney generals office. His confession came June 3, three days before his trial was scheduled to start. The California Department of Justices investigation was supported by several law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Los Angeles Airport Police. 2023-01-18T23:10:48.565Z, Qu Yingyan questioned that members of the Legislative Council have 80 days of summer vacation Jasper Jasper: As a member, I have to hold meetings during summer vacation In some cities, people tithe more than 10% of their monthly income to the church. The grandson of the churchs founder, Garca maintained his innocence following his arrest but eventually pleaded guilty in June 2022 to two counts of forcible oral copulation on a minor and one count of committing a lewd act on a child in exchange for a reduced sentence of 17 years behind bars. Naasn Joaqun Garcia was a church leader for a very long time and was a good and famous personality who used to perform good deeds but later on when the actual truth got A copy of the charging document is available here. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. This led to the position of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through a statement. Flores was also the subject of child sex abuse allegations in 1997, but authorities in Mexico never filed criminal charges. 2023-01-18T22:10:34.237Z, grew up in an abusive home and now cares for others with the same trauma: "When there is violence in the family, the transparent child is also a victim" | Israel today Sara Pozos, 49, is among many in the neighborhood who believe their leader's imprisonment has strengthened the church. 2023-01-18T22:28:45.442Z, A study found what the smartest dog breed is - and it's not a border collie - voila! Prosecutors said he used his spiritual influence to have sex with several female followers and was aided by others in the church who facilitated the abuse. The family is presently in a very bad condition after he has been charged and then sentenced to 16 years in prison. Oaxaca also pleaded guilty today in court and was convicted of assault likely to cause great bodily injury. 2023-01-18T23:28:35.547Z, Hand in hand with the Argentine Dakar champion Kevin Benavides 2023-01-18T22:58:35.027Z, Last public meeting before the strike for Borne and Dussopt The bail to be able to leave is 50 million dollars, one of the highest in history. The home base of the church is the Guadalajara neighborhood of Hermosa Provincia, Spanish for "beautiful province." 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. 2023-01-18T22:10:55.924Z, General Motors introduces the first fast-accelerating electric Corvette The case has been difficult for some former members who have distanced themselves from the church. She would target girls and bring them into his inner fold. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Azalea Rangel Melendez, who is currently at large. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business. Check Out Here, Will You Get Another Stimulus Payment in 2023? 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. 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. Details About Democratic US Senator Raphael Warnocks Children And His Win in Georgia Run-off Election, Check Who Is Hakeem Jeffries Wife And Know His Net Worth, Who is Kevin McCarthy Wife? Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? 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. Todays conviction is the result of a multiyear investigation and prosecution led by the California Department of Justice. 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. According to the suit, the victims said they were routinely coerced since they were children to believe that Garcas wishes were direct orders from God and that if they didnt obey, it would lead to catastrophic consequences including, but not limited to, eternal damnation, unspeakable tragedy, infertility, and countless other harms.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2023-01-18T23:10:55.786Z, The atrocious methods of organized crime in Ecuador to sow terror 2023-01-18T21:52:44.872Z, Mexico: Child shot dead 10-year-old boy In September of the same year, he reportedly addressed his congregation via a phone call behind bars. ", "I worshipped my abuser," said a woman identified as Jane Doe 4 and said she was his niece. 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. It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. A judge had thrown out four counts of extortion and sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury for lack of evidence. He relied on those around him to groom congregants for the purposes of sexual assault. (RELATED: DOJ Opens Investigation Into Roman Catholic Church Sex Abuse). 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. Nearly all closed their eyes. 2023-01-19T00:04:36.145Z, Who is Keityn, the co-author of the lyrics of Shakira and Bizarrap's hit Last year, Attorney General Becerrahelped bring downthe worlds largest online brothel, Backpage.com, and convicted its CEO. Furthermore, Susana and Alondra pled guilty to the charges against them. 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. There are about 1 million U.S. members. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. On June 8, 2022, Naasn was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months behind bars. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. HBOs Unveiled: Surviving La Luz Del Mundo peeks behind the closed doors of the Mexican Christian megachurch La Luz Del Mundo and sheds light on the rampant sexual abuse faced by several minors by the church leaders. The La Luz del Mundo church leader pleaded guilty Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and one count of a lewd act upon a child who was 15. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty. 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. She actively recruited and groomed girls for him, Thiagarajah said. Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World), was sentenced to 16 years by a Los Angeles judge after pleading guilty to three counts of the sexual abuse of minors in his following. Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032. A copy of this disclaimer can also be found on our Disclaimer page. 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. 2023-01-18T21:40:44.687Z, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo meet again: their numbers in the season 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. 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. OAKLAND California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced securing a guilty plea and conviction against Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader of La Luz del Mundo, for multiple 2023-01-18T23:16:35.364Z, Department of Justice's "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Task Force" meets for the first time to set three work directions After the court determined he was a flight risk, Garcia's 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. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. (LLDM, which claims a membership of more than 5 million in 50 nations, has locations in East and West Los Angeles, Orange County, and Palm Springs.) 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 (AP) The leader of a Mexican megachurch faces more than 16 years in a California prison when sentenced Wednesday for sexually abusing three girls who were followers. The grandson of the churchs founder, Garca maintained his innocence following his arrest but eventually pleaded guilty in June 2022 to two counts of forcible oral copulation on a Naasn Joaqun Garcia Family, Present Location and Details By Indrayudh Published December 8, 2022 Naasn Joaqun Garcia Family has always decided to stay away from LimeLight for a very long time as the family members have always faced many bad considerations when they are related to him. The church has tried to cultivate a law-abiding, hard-working image in Mexico where it counts about 1.8 million followers. 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. The latter was the leader of the La "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. Some knelt and wept. "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. 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. 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. I do not see the bars that separate me from you, he told the congregants. If you have any questions please contact: Bilingual Services Program at (916) 210-7580. But prosecutors said the victims were essentially brainwashed by Garca and felt they would be ostracized by the insular church community if they didnt submit to his desires. September 19, 2022 / 8:20 AM 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. All three individuals are associated with La Luz del Mundo. On Sept. 8 a lawsuit was filed in California against Joaqun Garca and four church members alleged to be complicit in the sex abuse. 2023-01-18T23:17:02.633Z, With a reflection, Isabel Macedo responded to those who questioned her daughter's body Please enter valid email address to continue. 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