New molestation charges filed against former volunteer during Gainesville church summer camp

Hemenez now faces three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation by an offender 18 or older, according to court records. Hemenez is serving a five-year sentence in Lancaster Work Camp in Trenton, followed by eight years of supervised probation and lifelong registration as a sexual offender.

WUFT obtained a sworn complaint affidavit from the Gainesville Police Department showing the new allegations. The case remains open, and confessions that police said the defendant made are redacted. According to the affidavit, police interviewed an accuser who told his mother Hemenez molested him on three occasions at night during the summer program at the church in July 2021.

All accusers in the Hemenez criminal and civil cases are young boys, according to court records.

Police interviewed Hemenez in the detention facility where he is serving time. After receiving his Miranda rights and explaining that the accuser came forward, Hemenez said “Yeah, I don’t remember that happening at all. If I remember … I think the victim had a top bunk.” Hemenez was questioned about his statement that “I don’t remember it happening and I’m pretty sure it didn’t happen.”

On the civil delegation site, attorney Jessica Arbour is representing the accuser in the fifth Orange County lawsuit filed against Ignite Life Center and the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God.

Three lawsuits were filed in March 2024 alleging that both the center and the district council were negligent in their responsibility to protect the accused and failed to intervene. The lawsuits seek damages for emotional distress, physical harm, and the failure to provide a safe environment for minors.

The case highlights the importance of accountability and the need for robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Such principles should guide the actions of all organizations entrusted with the care of minors.

Source: Read the original report