Former Pentecostal Pastor Yersson Solarte Booked on Additional Child Sex Crime Charges

Yersson Solarte, a former pastor of the Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Latinoamericana (IPUL) in Sanford, Florida, has been booked on additional child sex crime charges. Solarte was initially arrested in May after police responded to a report of an inappropriate relationship between him and two juvenile victims. The Sanford Police Department stated that during the investigation, it was determined Solarte created or attempted to create an inappropriate relationship with the victims, inappropriately touched them, and sexually assaulted one of them.

The abuse is alleged to have occurred in Solarte’s office at the church. He is accused of “forcefully” grabbing the face of one child to kiss her and molesting her there. The child also alleged that Solarte told her during the assault that “we only live once” and that he and the victim were now “a couple.” Following these allegations, Solarte was removed from his role as pastor. Both victims were members of IPUL. As a result of the investigation, Sanford Police Investigators issued a warrant for Solarte’s arrest.

On Nov. 21, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO) released a statement saying Solarte had been arrested for additional charges related to child sex crimes allegedly committed at his home. In addition to previous charges of sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation, Solarte now faces five counts of sexual battery on a victim under the age of 18.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing abuse within religious communities. Churches and ministries have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable and ensure accountability. The Bible calls for justice, mercy, and humble service, as Micah 6:8 reminds us. Solarte’s actions contradict these principles and underscore the need for vigilance and integrity in leadership.

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