Sochil further alleged that her aunt and a foster mother groomed and coerced her into forcibly serving the church leaders. She joined the newsroom in 2018 and spent several years working on the criminal justice team. Damian Dovarganes / AP The. 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. "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.". 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. 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. Currently, journalists are not allowed to attend services or take photographs inside the church's temples. They bless the bread, the wine, and do other things as if he were here, although physically he is not.". According to recent records, Naasn was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, in August 2022. A California appeals court ordered the . 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. Period, said Attorney General Becerra. He is the fifth of eight children and during much . 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. 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. He's known to church members as Aarn - a result, he said, of God asking him to change his name. This Google translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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 decision demonstrates, as we have always said, that the Apostle is innocent and his innocence will be judicially proven through the course of the trial a Church spokesperson said in a written statement to Brian Ross Investigates. ", 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. After several delays, Garcias trial was supposed to start with jury selection Monday before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Coen. 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.. 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. From the walls hang photographs of Joaqun Garca, smiling and wearing a tuxedo. In addition to his prison time, Garcia is expected to be ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. After Garcias guilty plea, the churchs normally active Facebook page was dormant. Have a tip or story idea? After Fridays unexpected plea, he will instead face sentencing Wednesday. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. 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. "Knowing that these abuses took place there, in my happy place, in my safe place, is horrible," she said. 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. 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.. 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. This led to the position of the organization, which requested the release of its leader through a statement. ode to the vampire mother results; national asset mortgage lawsuit; green tuna paper; mary davis sos band net worth Naasn Joaqun Garca may be released in December 2032 Dementia And Memory Loss Has Been Linked To This Common Pill. While Flores was never charged with a crime, Garcias arrest and the subsequent charges against him made international headlines. 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. LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The leader of a Mexico-based evangelical megachurch is due in a Los Angeles courtroom today to face sentencing following a deal with prosecutors last week in which he agreed to plead guilty to three sex counts involving minors. Only the rare defendant like Naasn Joaqun Garcia should be locked up before trial, and most should be released without money bail. Shame on you!". Naasn became involved with the churchs activities at a young age and served as a minister in several other congregations across California and Arizona. "I see your beautiful faces because you are the children of God.". However, the five complainants, addressed as Jane Does in the court, were unhappy with the minimal sentences their aggressors received. 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. 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. Offenders and people accused of molesting children always have a difficult time in prison. Joaqun Garca was held on $50 million bail, Ocampo on $25 million, and Oaxaca remained free on bail. Biblical verses are cited to explain behavior. While Naasn maintained he was innocent for several months as he awaited his trial, in a shocking turn of events, he accepted a plea deal just three days before his trial commenced in June 2022. 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. 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.. 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 . Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury in June. "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. Before joining The Times in 2018, he covered city news and state politics at the Hartford Courant. LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are shocked by the facts in the recent motion filed by defense attorney Alan Jackson on . In addition to Joaqun Garca, Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca were also arrested. As of writing, the case is still being deliberated in a court of law. 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. 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. So far he remains imprisoned in the United States. But she also thinks many church members including her 85-year-old grandmother will continue to believe in Garcias innocence. "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. A copy of the complaint is available here. The church's media relations office claims there is no crime in the area. 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. 6 min read. 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. Most teachings translate into something quotidian. 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. They had once been his most devoted servants. 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. 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. As for their professional standing, while Alma allegedly serves as a social worker, Adoram has been linked to the Mexican soccer promotional league. "The church weaponized the faith of their most vulnerable members," said Jonati Joey Yedidsion, one of the lawyers handling the lawsuit. La Luz del Mundo is sometimes described as evangelical, but its members do not embrace this term. March 21, 2022 17:02 ET | Source: The Light of the World. "I did cry, because I was saying, 'God, deliver me from this, make this time pass quickly,'" Haifa said from Texas. Nearly all closed their eyes. Sept. 19, 2022 11:27 AM PT Naasn Joaqun Garca, head of the Mexico-based La Luz del Mundo megachurch, pleaded guilty in June to sexually abusing girls from his congregation and was sentenced to. [12]. 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. "I think it changed for the better in the sense that now we feel more united, and we feel more empowered," she said. Another neighborhood resident, Sailem Castillo, also said she was upbeat despite Joaqun Garca's imprisonment. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. [11], He is married to Alma Zamora, and they have three children: Adoram, Elda, Sibma. On June 8, 2022, Naasn was convicted for the three charges and sentenced to 16 years and 8 months behind bars. 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. Spanning the main street is a sculpture spelling "innocent" in Spanish. 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 RICO suit names him, the organization called Light of the World, his mother, his wife, his brother, and many of the leaders of the organization. Oaxaca pleaded guilty to one count of assault likely to cause great bodily injury on Friday also. 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.". 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. Three female church members also have been charged with various offenses. This is actually despite the fact he was born as the fifth of seven children to Samuel Joaqun Flores (his predecessor) and Eva Garca Lpez in May 1969 in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, Jalisco. 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. Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo church, in court in Los Angeles in 2020. 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. 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. In some cities, people tithe more than 10% of their monthly income to the church. Earlier Friday, victims asked a judge to reject the plea deal or sentence the defendant to a far longer prison term. As the states chief law enforcement officer, Attorney General Becerra is committed to combatting human trafficking and safeguarding the rights of trafficking survivors. Prosecutors said that the crimes dated back to at least 2015. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ocampo is the second woman from Garcias inner circle to turn against him. The neighborhood has cafeterias, clinics, a recreation center and a store that sells Bibles and religious-themed games for children. While he maintained his innocence for three years, Garca has . If you see something, report it and we will vigorously pursue justice.. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Have a tip or story idea? Only in September 2020 did the man plead not guilty to the crimes charged against him. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [1] Early life [ edit] Similar accusations emerged in September last year, so the trial ended up being rescheduled for May 2022. He is the third apostle of the congregation after succeeding his father Samuel in power after his death on December 14, 2014. In 2014, he succeeded his father as the new leader AKA the Apostle of the La Luz del Mundo. 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. Born in Argentina but raised in Los Angeles, Miller is a graduate of Oberlin College and Columbia Universitys School of Journalism. Crimes like those alleged in this complaint have no place in our society. 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. 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. Efforts to fight human trafficking have also included taking on labor exploitation. Ahead of the baptism, in a ritual known as "the revivals," children undergo days of prayer and fasting inside a temple. Do not translate text that appears unreliable or low-quality. They dont doubt that the servant of God is lying to them or that hes committing a crime against them. Martin, who left the church years earlier, said in an interview with Brian Ross Investigates. 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. by CNS June 8, 2022. Read More: Where is Naasn Joaqun Garcia Now? / KCAL News. The California Department of Justice arrested Garcia and two other members of the church, Susana Medina Oaxaca and Alondra Ocampo, in 2019. 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. Castillo, a recently married woman of 25, told AP the church advises members how "to lead a decent life," in which women may not drink alcohol or go out on frequent dates. naason joaquin garcia released naason joaquin garcia released. Read More: How Did Samuel Joaqun Flores Die? According to VICE, the 53-year-old was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in June 2019. Authorities have yet to locate the third woman, Azalea Rangel Melendez. 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. 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