Pastor of Grace Church of the Nazarene Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Abusing Girls Under 12 Years Old

The Tampa Police Department arrested Jesus Manuel Castellano-Mojica, 81, on Friday, charging him with two counts of molestation and two counts of sexual battery. Castellano-Mojica was the pastor of Grace Church of the Nazarene, which operated from a home on Wallace Avenue. The Department of Children and Families alerted authorities on Feb. 14 about a potential case of sexual abuse involving a 7-year-old girl. An investigation led to the identification of two additional victims: another seven-year-old girl and a 28-year-old woman who claimed she was abused by Castellano-Mojica when she was 11.

Castellano-Mojica was the foster parent for all three girls, according to police. Neighbors reported limited knowledge of the pastor, noting they occasionally saw him mowing his lawn and children at the home. One neighbor, Ken Copeland, expressed concern that authorities were not adequately monitoring the families, stating they were not ensuring a “safe environment” for the children. The church did not issue a public statement regarding the arrest, and police indicated they do not believe there are additional victims.

Castellano-Mojica was held in Hillsborough County Jail on a $200,000 bond. His daughter did not provide further details about the case. The arrest has raised questions about the oversight of religious leaders and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the need for accountability and the importance of safeguarding children within all communities.

In a related case, Paul Dyal, a 78-year-old pastor from Jacksonville, was arrested and charged with capital sexual battery after allegedly sexually abusing a minor over seven years. The victim, who was assaulted starting in March 1979, reported that Dyal would bathe her in his home. Dyal, founder of the Jacksonville Assembly of the Body of Christ church, is currently in custody without bond. His case underscores the broader issue of abuse within religious institutions and the urgent need for transparency and justice.

Other individuals, Vernon Williamson and Jerome Teschendorf, were also arrested in Oklahoma in connection to the case. These arrests reflect the ongoing efforts to address sexual misconduct and ensure the safety of victims. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the responsibility of communities to protect the vulnerable.

The cases of Castellano-Mojica and Dyal emphasize the critical role of accountability and the necessity of safeguarding children from abuse. They also highlight the need for religious institutions to prioritize the well-being of their members and to take proactive measures in preventing harm. The protection of the vulnerable is a moral imperative, and the Church of the Nazarene, like all faith communities, must remain committed to this principle. Micah 6:8 calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, which should guide the actions of all who seek to serve others.

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