Arrest of La Luz del Mundo Leader Naasón Joaquín García on Charges of Child Rape and Pornography

Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, was arrested in California on June 5, 2019, on suspicion of rape and child pornography. The arrest was part of a broader law enforcement operation targeting the sexual exploitation of minors. García, along with three other individuals associated with the church, faces 26 charges, including crimes committed between 2015 and 2018. The California Attorney General’s office has requested assistance in identifying additional victims.

The La Luz del Mundo church, one of the largest evangelical congregations in Mexico, has grown to include over a million international followers. The group recently celebrated García’s 50th anniversary with a major event at the Mexico City Palace of Fine Arts on May 15. The arrests have raised questions about the church’s leadership and its practices, particularly regarding the treatment of minors.

García was arrested alongside Alondra Ocampo and Susana Medina Oaxaca. A fourth individual, Azalea Rangel Meléndez, is still being sought by authorities. All are connected to the La Luz del Mundo congregation, according to the California prosecutor’s office. The charges allege that García and his accomplices coerced victims into sexual acts by claiming they were acting under divine authority.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra condemned the alleged crimes, stating they do not belong in society. He emphasized the state’s commitment to addressing violence and sexual trafficking. García’s bail was set at $25 million, reflecting the severity of the charges.

The case has sparked discussions about the intersection of religious leadership and legal accountability. While the church has been active in mission work and charity, the allegations against its leader highlight the need for transparency and justice. The legal proceedings will determine the extent of the alleged misconduct and its implications for the congregation and its members.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)