Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing Two Minors Convicted and Detained in La Plata

The pastor of La Plata, Esteban Cayetano Núñez Morel, was convicted of grossly abusive sexual conduct and corruption of minors following a jury trial in the Criminal Court of La Plata. The verdict, reached unanimously by the 12 jurors, concluded that the accused was criminally responsible for the alleged abuse of two minors. The ruling was announced on Wednesday, marking the conclusion of the trial. Núñez Morel, who is affiliated with an evangelical church, was subsequently arrested.

The trial, which took place over several days, involved testimonies from the mother and one of the daughters of the victims. The mother recounted how she met Núñez Morel in an evangelical church in the North of La Plata, where she served as a catechesis teacher. She described experiencing gender-based violence and finding solace in the religious community, which led her to place her daughters in the pastor’s care. The abuse, according to her account, began in 2017 and continued until she fled with her children to a shelter run by the NGO Casa María Pueblo.

The older sister, who is now 20 years old, testified about the abuse, describing incidents that occurred in various locations, including the accused’s home, a microphone, and the church. She detailed the psychological impact of the abuse, noting that both she and her sister suffered from panic attacks and mental health deterioration. The younger sister, who was 10 at the time of the alleged abuse, did not testify in person. Instead, the jury viewed a recorded interview conducted through the Gesell Chamber, due to the trauma associated with reliving the events.

A legist doctor confirmed that no visible physical injuries were observed in the genital or anal regions of the victims during the medical examination. The trial was conducted through a jury process, with the proceedings sponsored by a local NGO for minors. The prosecution has indicated that sentencing will be addressed in the next phase of the hearing.

The case highlights the importance of protecting minors from abuse and ensuring accountability within religious and community settings. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on justice, mercy, and the care of victims, reflecting the call to “do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)