Minister in Del Rey, California, Arrested on Alleged Child Sex Charges

Bernardino Villalobos, 64, a minister at La Obra De Jesus Christian Church in Del Rey, has been arrested in connection with alleged child sex crimes, according to reports from abc30.com and KMPH published in 2017. Both reports say he is a registered sex offender. abc30.com reports past convictions for rape and sodomy by force, and says he was convicted in 1993, served his sentence, and was released in 1994. KMPH reports a history of convictions for sodomy and rape but gives no dates or details about force.

According to abc30.com, a victim came forward alleging abuse in 2017, when the victim was still a minor. KMPH reports that the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation began after allegations surfaced regarding an incident in 2017. These accounts are allegations. The reports do not describe any plea, trial, or verdict in the current case.

The reports differ on the wording of the charges. abc30.com says investigators found sufficient evidence to charge Villalobos with lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under 14. KMPH says he was arrested on charges of sexually abusing a child under 14. Both reports say the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest.

KMPH reports that Villalobos was booked into the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $40,000.

abc30.com reports that Villalobos has continued to hold a position of influence within his congregation, and that authorities suspect the size of his following may have led to underreporting of other potential cases. KMPH reports that the investigation has raised concerns that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Concern for people who have not yet spoken is part of protecting the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Andrew Moreno or Crime Stoppers, according to abc30.com. KMPH reports that the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Crime Stoppers have asked for information from the public.