Fresno County church minister arrested for alleged child sex crimes

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 64-year-old church minister for allegedly committing sex crimes with a child, marking another instance of misconduct within the religious community (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Bernardino Villalobos, the minister at La Obra De Jesus Christian Church in Del Rey, faces charges after a victim came forward alleging abuse in 2017, when they were still underage.

Investigators found sufficient evidence to charge Villalobos with lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under 14, highlighting the gravity of the alleged offenses (Ephesians 5:11).

This is not the first time Villalobos has been entangled in sex crime allegations; he is listed as a registered sex offender, with past convictions for rape and sodomy by force.

Villalobos was convicted in 1993, served his sentence, and was released in 1994, yet he has continued to hold a position of influence within his congregation.

Authorities suspect that the minister’s large following may have led to underreporting of other potential cases, underscoring the need for vigilance and accountability within religious institutions.

Those with information are urged to contact Detective Andrew Moreno or Crime Stoppers to assist in the ongoing investigation, ensuring justice is pursued with integrity and care.

Source: Read the original report