Police Capture Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing 12-Year-Old Girl

Police officers assigned to the Specialized Directorate for Attention to Women and Intrafamily Violence have captured a man identified as José Luis Santana Vidal, 52, described as an evangelical “pastor.” Officers arrested him in the Sabana Pérdida sector of Santo Domingo Norte. He had been sought since last year on charges of allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl while taking advantage of his position at the Cruzada Evangélica church in the Villa María sector of the National District. The arrest was made under arrest order number 0308-Julio 2021, dated July 30 and issued by a competent court of the National District. The allegations have not been tested in court, and no conviction has been reported.

The authorities’ first actions followed a formal complaint received through the Línea Vida. The minor, whose identity is being withheld, is represented by family members.

According to the complaint, the child’s relatives traveled abroad. When the process for their younger daughter became complicated, they entrusted her temporary care to the pastor and his wife. Children left in temporary care by adults who are absent are especially dependent on those who hold authority over them, a fact that makes protecting the vulnerable a pressing duty (Psalm 82:3).

The relatives allege that the girl was sexually raped and was treated as a servant. These claims are contained in the complaint and have not been independently established by the sources available for this report.

The Police reported that the detainee will be taken to the Comprehensive Care Unit for Victims of Gender-Based, Intrafamily Violence and Sexual Crimes of the National District for the corresponding purposes.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)