Eastside Baptist Church. Photo credit: Okmulgee Times
OKMULGEE, OK — An Okmulgee pastor, who also serves on the Okmulgee City Council, was arrested on a felony warrant stemming from a child abuse investigation involving an incident at a local church. Marcus Davy Jeffrey, 63, is charged with one count of child abuse related to an alleged incident on November 12, 2025 during a youth gathering at Eastside Baptist Church.
Allegations involve striking juveniles with a belt during church youth event
Why it matters
The case raises concerns about abuse of power and trust within religious institutions, as well as the need for robust child protection policies and oversight, especially for youth programs. It also highlights the complex dynamics when community leaders face criminal allegations.
The details
According to an affidavit, the Okmulgee Police Department requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to investigate the incident. Special Agent Melissa Jackson reviewed a police report and video surveillance from inside the church sanctuary, which allegedly showed Jeffrey, the church’s lead pastor who had recently taken over youth group teaching duties, striking multiple juveniles with a belt.
The alleged incident occurred on November 12, 2025 during a youth gathering at Eastside Baptist Church.
Jeffrey was arrested on a felony warrant on March 27, 2026.
The players
Marcus Davy Jeffrey
A 63-year-old Okmulgee pastor who also serves on the Okmulgee City Council and is charged with one count of child abuse.
Okmulgee Police Department
The law enforcement agency that requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the alleged incident.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)
The state investigative agency that was brought in to assist with the child abuse investigation.
Melissa Jackson
An OSBI Special Agent who was assigned to investigate the case and reviewed the police report and video surveillance footage.
Eastside Baptist Church
The church where the alleged child abuse incident took place during a youth gathering.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage the trust placed in community leaders, especially when it involves the abuse of children.”
— Robert Jenkins, Okmulgee Resident
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Marcus Davy Jeffrey to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the critical need for robust child protection policies and oversight within religious institutions, as well as the complex dynamics when trusted community leaders face criminal allegations of abuse.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, New York. | Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
ALBANY, NY — The Diocese of Albany, New York, will pay survivors of sexual abuse a $148 million settlement in restitution for what Bishop Mark O’Connell called a “shameful chapter” of abuse in the diocese’s history.
The diocese announced the settlement in a press release on March 27. The nine-figure amount was still subject to court approval, but the amount itself had been accepted by the committee of survivors suing the diocese.
In the press release, O’Connell admitted a “clear and un-nuanced statement of guilt on the part of the diocese in its handling of our predator priests and others within the diocese.”
“It is a shameful chapter in our history, and no monetary settlement such as the one reached today will erase the pain caused to survivors,” he said while apologizing.
The bishop vowed to be “exceedingly diligent” in working to “prevent anything like this occurring again.”
Representatives of the survivors’ committee, meanwhile, said the settlement pointed the way to “closure for all survivors.”
The committee said it “looks forward to working further with the diocese to enhance its child protection protocols.”
The diocese in its statement said that diocesan insurers may contribute additional funds to the global settlement; the statement noted that it is “typical” for insurance carriers to provide “a significant portion” of abuse settlements.
The diocese had declared bankruptcy in 2023 while facing hundreds of abuse lawsuits under the state’s Child Victims Act of 2019.
In April 2025 then-Bishop Edward Scharfenberger announced that the Albany Diocese would launch a campaign to “rechannel [diocesan] efforts and resources” amid a major financial crisis.
The plan included the closure or merging of “perhaps one-third” of the diocese’s 126 parishes. The bishop said at the time that, among other things, “clergy health and well-being, quality sacramental ministry, consistent attendance, participation, and volunteerism” were “heading in the wrong direction.”
Salpointe Catholic High School, where coach Timothy James Sonier arrested on child porn charges
TUCSON, AZ — A Tucson teacher and coach has been arrested in a child porn case, and investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward.
The Tucson Police Department said 48-year-old Timothy James Sonier is facing 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was being held on a $50,000 bond.
Sonier, a teacher at Dodge Middle and a coach at Salpointe Catholic High, was arrested on Thursday, March 26.
The TPD said the investigation began in December 2025, when the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone uploading child sexual abuse material.
During the investigation, the LVMPD found out that the suspect lived in Tucson and contacted the TPD’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit.
Sonier made his first court appearance late Thursday night, and you can watch that video before. The defense claimed Sonier has no criminal history and has lived in Tucson for the last 28 years. The judge ordered him to stay away from any victims and that he can not have any internet access. He has a preliminary hearing set for 1:30 p.m. on April 6.
The Tucson Unified School District said Sonier has been placed on administrative leave, but he had previously passed a background check. 13 News has reached out to Salpointe Catholic for a statement.
TUSD said, “the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are deeply concerned by the nature of this law enforcement situation and are cooperating fully with the Tucson Police Department.”
The website said Sonier was born in Illinois and graduated from the University of Phoenix. He has also worked at Dietz K-8, Catalina High, and Sabino High.
The Diocese of Tucson told 13 News that “the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are deeply concerned by the nature of this law enforcement situation and are cooperating fully with the Tucson Police Department in their investigation.”
The TPD said investigators looked at several electronic devices during searches of his home on Tucson’s east side as well as Dodge Middle.
“At this time, investigators have not identified any known local victims associated with this case,” the TPD said in a release. “While many ICAC investigations involve victims who are located outside of the United States, this case involves a suspect in a position of trust within the local community who worked directly with children in both educational and coaching roles.”
The charges have come as a shock for many, especially for parents and children who were taught by Sonier over the last few years.
13 News spoke to 18-year-old Christopher Armendarez Wilson, who was Sonier’s student at Dodge about four years ago.
He said he was surprised and disgusted when he learned about the charges.
“It just feels really weird that someone that I knew personally could be involved in something like that, and me not knowing anything about that until now,” Wilson said.
Armandarez Wilson’s mother, Alexandria, explained that at the time her kids were Sonier’s students, she didn’t feel insecure about having her kids under his care, but now, she feels disturbed.
“I mean, we didn’t have any issues while my children were in his class, but just knowing that somebody could be employed in a school district, dealing on a daily basis with children, is pretty disturbing, pretty shocking,” Armandarez added.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME.
FULL STATEMENT FROM TUCSON UNIFIED
“The Tucson Unified School District is aware of the recent arrest of one of our employees.
The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We are deeply concerned by the nature of this law enforcement situation and are cooperating fully with the Tucson Police Department in their investigation.
The employee has been detained by Tucson Police Department Detectives and has also been immediately placed on administrative leave by the district pending the results and outcome of the legal process associated with this ongoing law enforcement investigation. Hiring documents show that the employee successfully passed a criminal background check and continued to maintain a valid fingerprint clearance card as required by the Arizona Department of Public Safety throughout his time as an employee of the district.
We want to reassure our community that this is an isolated incident that does not reflect the policies, values, or standards of behavior that we expect from our staff members. We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Due to the ongoing nature of this investigation and legal matter, we are unable to provide further details. We ask for your understanding and patience as we work through this situation. We have full confidence in the law enforcement professionals of the Tucson Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation.”
FULL STATEMENT FROM DIOCESE OF TUCSON
“The Diocese of Tucson is aware that Timothy James Sonier, an athletic coach at Salpointe Catholic High School was arrested and charged with ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The diocese takes these allegations very seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation.
Salpointe Catholic High School has notified the students and families who have had direct interaction with the suspect. The safety and well-being of all students remain our highest priority. To ensure that the diocese fully supports the students, counselors will be made immediately available to the student body and school staff.
The Diocese of Tucson requires that all employees and volunteers complete a rigorous background check before ministering or working in the diocese.
To preserve the integrity of the investigation and to respect the privacy of all individuals involved, the diocese will not be making any further comment at this time. If you have any information about possible sexual abuse, the diocese urges you to contact local law enforcement. The Diocese of Tucson asks everyone to hold in prayer all those affected at this difficult time.”
UNIVERSAL CITY, TX — A band teacher at First Baptist Academy in Universal City was arrested on child indecency and grooming charges involving a 13-year-old student, according to an arrest affidavit.
Stephen Strawn, 50, was booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center on Thursday, according to jail records.
Strawn is accused of making the student try on shirts that showed her back and stomach on multiple occasions.
Child Protective Services visited the school on March 16, according to a statement obtained by KSAT, in response to a report involving the inappropriate interactions.
Police followed up two days later, according to an affidavit, when the student told officers Strawn asked her to help with flag team uniforms.
Detectives learned that Strawn had previously pulled the student out of class multiple times last November, the affidavit states, for “private band lessons.”
Strawn admitted to having unauthorized private lessons, uniform fittings and photographing the student during an interview with detectives.
The student said there was another person that Strawn photographed, and Strawn admitted to another potential “child grooming incident” that happened two years ago.
First Baptist Academy said Strawn was immediately placed on administrative leave after it was notified of the investigation.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority,” pastor Ryan Gilbert said in a statement. “We take this matter with the utmost seriousness and are committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for every child entrusted to our care.”
Gilbert said that the school is working to provide care and support to students, families and staff affected.
Read the full statement below:
“First Baptist Church of Universal City and First Baptist Academy are aware of the recent arrest of a faculty member following an investigation initiated by Child Protective Services in coordination with the Universal City Police Department.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, Child Protective Services visited the First Baptist Academy campus in response to a report involving an alleged inappropriate interaction between a teacher and a student. Prior to this visit, church and school leadership had not been made aware of the report or the alleged incident.
Upon notification, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave. The individual is no longer serving on campus. The church and academy are fully cooperating with law enforcement and Child Protective Services and are committed to supporting a thorough and transparent investigative process.
The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We take this matter with the utmost seriousness and are committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for every child entrusted to our care. We are also working to provide appropriate care and support for students, families, and staff affected by this situation.
Out of respect for the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we will not be providing additional details at this time. We ask for continued prayer for those directly impacted, especially the students and families affected, as well as for our school community.”Ryan Gilbert, Lead Pastor of First Baptist Church of Universal City
The Universal City Police Department asks anyone with information about this case or the suspect to email Detective Lieutenant Daniel Carmona at carmona@ucpdtx.org.
AKA Alex Montez; photo courtesy of Angleton Police Department
ANGLETON, TX — Angleton police confirm arrest of Alex Montealegre as investigation into alleged 2025 incident continues
Former Tejano singer and pastor Alex Montez, also known as Alex Montealegre, has been arrested on a sexual assault charge, according to a statement released by the Angleton Police Department.
Authorities confirmed that Montealegre was taken into custody on Wednesday, following an ongoing investigation into an alleged incident reported earlier this year.
“On March 25, 2026, the Angleton Police Department arrested Alex Montealegre, 61, of Angleton, in connection with an investigation into a past sexual assault,” the department stated. “The investigation began after officers received a report on January 13, 2026 regarding an incident that allegedly occurred in July of 2025.”
Police say that after conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and reviewing the case, detectives established probable cause to charge Montealegre with sexual assault, classified as a second-degree felony under Texas law. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Brazoria County Jail, where he remains held on a $100,000 bond.
Officials added that the investigation remains active and that no further details will be released at this time. Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Montez is known in the Tejano music scene as a singer, producer, and musician, gaining recognition in the 1980s as a member of the Centerfold Band. Originally a traveling family musician from southern Mexico, he built a decades-long career with popular tracks including “Ven Amor,” “Un Beso Y Un Adios,” “Amante Bandido,” and “Cosa de Locos.”
In recent years, Montez frequently collaborated with his wife, Tejano singer Lizza Lamb, including their 2026 single “Si Dios Conmigo.” Beyond music, he served in ministry alongside Lamb.
Montez spent more than a decade as pastor of La Vida bilingual church of the Foursquare Gospel. According to a source close to the church, he was suspended from the pulpit on July 12, 2025, amid sexual assault allegations.
Following an internal investigation by the Foursquare denomination, Alex and Lizza Montealegre were officially removed from all church duties on October 31, 2025. Their pastoral licenses were revoked due to findings related to allegations of sexual assault involving Alex and alleged embezzlement of church funds involving both Alex and Lizza.
WASHINGTON, DC, March 23, 2026 — SNAP Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests is committed to our core values of protecting the vulnerable, healing the wounded, preventing abuse and fighting for justice for all survivors.
SNAP is the world’s oldest and largest community of survivors of clergy and institutional sexual abuse. Through public action and peer support, SNAP is building a future where no institution is beyond justice and no survivor stands alone.
Our global community works to end sexual abuse in faith-based organizations by transforming laws, institutions and lives, said SNAP Executive Director, Angela Walker.
Many of our members have been part of SNAP for many years – some for decades. Your dedication and compassion helped to build this community of 15,000+ survivors and allies. You all are deeply valued and remain at the heart of our work.
Today, some volunteers chose to resign from SNAP. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors to support survivors.
Jesus Chacon’s mugshot courtesy of Weld County Sheriff’s Office
FORT LUPTON, CO — On March 10, 2026, deputies with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call near Fort Lupton, Colorado, where a juvenile female reported that she had been allegedly sexually assaulted by Chacon, a family friend, on several occasions over the course of about four years.
During the investigation, it was discovered that “Chacon supervised the nursery at First United Methodist Church in Fort Lupton, where he had been responsible for the victim multiple times” (Greely Tribune)
Investigators found probable cause and arrested Chacon on March 24, 2026, on suspicion of 25 counts of sexual assault on a child, position of trust/pattern of abuse.
Detectives are encouraging anyone with information related to this case to contact Detective Jeremy Mclaughlan at (970) 400-5816.
At the time of this writing, Chacon is being held in custody at the Weld County Jail.
Chacon was Called the “The Pied Piper”
Publicly available information suggests that Jesus Adam Chacon, also known as “Jessie,” was actively involved in the First United Methodist Church Fort Lupton for years prior to his arrest.
A photograph shared by the church in 2014 appears to show Chacon tagged at a church event, and a video posted on May 10, 2020, features him reading a poem for Mother’s Day.
Church social media posts further describe Chacon as a central figure for the children of the church.
In a 2022 post, he was referred to as the “Pied Piper of our Children’s ministries,” with the church stating he was “such a blessing to us all in our church, community, and beyond.”
According to one post, he had a “wonderful rapport with the children.”
Additional posts highlight the impact he appeared to have on children, including these statements:
“Jesse Chacon had the Children’s Sermon – Mart and I call him the Pied Piper of the kids – they just love him, and so do we!”
“Jesse talked about how much working with the kids means to him”
“Jesse Chacon had the children’s sermon and always has the children – and adults – leaning forward in rapt attention. “
“Jesse Chacon’s ministry, the ‘Pied Piper’ of 1st Methodist! Several of the children spoke on the video of what Jesse means to them and one summarized it so well when he said, ‘Jesse makes Sunday School fun, I love him!’”
Taken together, these descriptions illustrate the level of familiarity, trust, and influence he had within the church—where he was likely entrusted with direct and repeated access to young children over extended periods of time.
The Significance of the “Pied Piper” Description
The fact that Chacon was described as the “Pied Piper of our Children’s ministries” is significant.
The phrase “Pied Piper” originates from German folklore and has become a widely recognized metaphor. While can be used to describe a charismatic individual who attracts followers, the term is not inherently a compliment. In its original context, the Pied Piper is a figure who leads children away from their community—after which they are never seen again, with some versions of the story suggesting they vanish or come to harm.
In modern usage, the phrase can carry that dual meaning: someone who is able to draw others in through charm and influence, particularly children.
Church posts describing Chacon emphasized that children were drawn to him, that they “loved him,” and that he had a strong ability to connect with young participants. For young children especially, trust is often given freely and without question. Experts note that, in some cases, individuals who seek close, trusted relationships with children may use that trust to gradually blur boundaries, a dynamic often referred to as grooming.
Understanding this dynamic is important. It reinforces the need for strong safeguards, active oversight, and accountability, particularly in environments where children are encouraged to form close relationships with adults in positions of trust.
A Church’s Responsibility
When allegations arise in settings designed to care for young children, such as a church nursery, the focus often extends beyond the individual accused to the systems and safeguards that may have failed to prevent the abuse.
First United Methodist Church Fort Lupton has described its youth programming as providing “safe, fun, age-appropriate options” where “every child is respected.” Nursery care is offered for children ages 0 to 4 during services.
Chacon was a nursery supervisor with access to very young children. WWhen this level of access exists, it raises important questions about how individuals were selected, what screening or background checks were conducted, and what supervision or oversight was in place. It may also raise questions about whether any concerns were identified and, if so, how they were addressed.
Civil Accountability and Legal Options for Survivors
Criminal proceedings will determine individual accountability for Chacon. Separately, civil action can provide a pathway to examine whether an institution fulfilled its legal duty to protect children in its care.
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may have the right to pursue civil claims against individuals and institutions whose action or inaction allowed abuse to occur. Civil litigation can examine whether warning signs were missed, whether safeguards were in place, and whether appropriate steps were taken to prevent harm.
These cases can help to provide survivors with access to financial support for therapy, counseling, treatment, and overall long-term recovery.
Coming forward about sexual abuse can feel overwhelming, particularly when allegations involve someone who was once a trusted community leader.
Bienvenido Lopez, 75, of Albany (Photo provided by Albany Police Department)
ALBANY, NY — The Albany Police Department says a 75-year-old local pastor has been arrested in a sexual assault investigation as detectives work to find out if there are more victims.
Police say 75-year-old Bienvenido Lopez of Albany was arrested in connection with the investigation, identifying Lopez as a local pastor.
Lopez is charged with multiple counts of rape. The Albany Police Department said the investigation is ongoing.
The department said detectives in its Children and Family Service Unit are actively working to determine whether there may be additional victims. Police urged anyone who had contact with Lopez and believes they may have experienced similar behavior to call the unit at (518) 447-8780.
Ranjan D’Sa is pictured in this photo provided by Halton Regional Police Service. D’Sa has been charged with sexual assault.
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO — Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) have laid a sexual assault charge against an Oakville clergyman after receiving a complaint last month.
Police released a statement earlier today saying that authorities have charged a Catholic Priest employed in Oakville with sexual assault following a month-long investigation.
In early February 2026, HRPS say they began an investigation into “an allegation of sexual assault committed against an adult female while the victim was volunteering at an Oakville church.”
As a result of the investigation, Reverend Ranjan D’Sa (53) of Oakville has been charged with one count of Sexual Assault.
D’Sa was released on an Undertaking with a future court date in Milton.
Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration.
Investigators say they are concerned there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or anyone who has been victimized by D’Sa, is being asked to contact the HRPS Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.
The $152 million deal, which closed Friday, includes 14 complexes housing about 1,600 elderly and disabled residents.
Tredway CEO Will Blodgett told NOLA.com that residents will be able to stay in the apartments.
The sale is a key part of the archdiocese’s bankruptcy settlement with hundreds of clergy sex abuse survivors. Under the agreement, proceeds from the sale will go toward a $300 million trust for survivors.
