Former Assemblies of God Pastor Sentenced to 10 Years to Life for Child Sexual Assault

A former California Assemblies of God pastor has been sentenced to 10 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a child more than 65 years younger than him. David Lee Helbling, 81, pleaded guilty in April to kidnapping to commit rape and lewd acts on a child under 14, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

The pleas were part of a pretrial agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, which led to the dismissal of four related charges. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Arthur Bocanegra approved the plea deal during a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice, imposing the sentence as stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

The Daily Bulletin identified the victim as female, with court documents referring to her only as “E.A.” No further details about the victim’s relationship to Helbling were disclosed. Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Martinez stated deputies were informed in late January 2024 of an attack on the victim in the 23000 block of Hemlock Avenue in Moreno Valley. Court papers indicated Helbling committed all the offenses on January 30, 2024.

The criminal complaint stated that Helbling kidnapped the girl, and the movement of the victim “substantially increased the risk of harm.” The complaint also noted that Helbling resided in the same home and had recurring access to her with the intent of arousing and gratifying his lust, passions, and sexual desires.

Deputies were dispatched about 2:30 p.m. on January 30, 2024, to reports of a past sexual assault involving a child. During the investigation, detectives learned the juvenile victim had been assaulted by a local pastor, identified as Helbling, then 79. Deputies arrested Helbling on February 14, 2024, while serving a search warrant at the Moreno Valley property. Evidence related to the crime was collected during the warrant service, and Helbling was taken into custody without incident.

Helbling served as a pastor at The Blessing Center First Assembly of God in Moreno Valley, according to reports from February 2024. The case highlights the need for accountability and justice, reflecting Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humble service.

Source: Read the original report