CEDARVILLE, OH — A former Cedarville University finance professor whose writings promote a Christian ethic of marriage and sexuality was arrested Tuesday on eight sex-related felony charges involving one or more minors.

The indictment, filed March 27 in Ohio’s Greene County Common Pleas Court, charges John Kent Tarwater with two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery and three counts of gross sexual imposition.

He was booked into Greene County jail in southwest Ohio, where he remained in custody as of Wednesday morning. No defense counsel was listed in public court records, and no hearing or trial dates were disclosed.

Tarwater, 55, has been listed in Cedarville academic catalogs as a business and finance faculty member since 2017, rising from assistant professor to professor of finance in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.

Three years ago, a Cedarville University news release noted the school’s designation as the state’s “Most Collegiest Town” by The Washington Post. “Melding town culture with university culture” set the town apart, the release said, adding, “It’s also professors like Dr. John Tarwater, associate professor of finance, watching one of his 11 children on the (basketball) court.”

Cedarville executive director of public relations Mark D. Weinstein told The Roys Report (TRR) via email that the release was prepared by his department. “I am aware of John Tarwater having 10 children, not 11,” he added.

Tarwater’s scholarly work includes two books: a 2005 volume, “Marriage as Covenant: Considering God’s Design at Creation and the Contemporary Moral Consequences,” and a 2019 book, “Business Ethics: A Christian Method for Making Moral Decisions.”

He has also written peer-reviewed journal articles on business ethics and Christian sexual ethics, including a 2021 piece for the “Journal of Markets & Morality” on transgenderism in the marketplace.

In national evangelical media, Tarwater adapted his Themelios article into a 2022 piece titled “Does Sexual Self-Gratification Glorify God?” for The Gospel Coalition, addressing masturbation within Christian ethics. The shortened article has been pulled from the TGC website and the Themelios piece is only available as a PDF; other journal articles can be accessed online.

Regulatory disclosures and academic records show Tarwater holds separate doctorates in ethics and theology as well as in finance, with a 2018 dissertation on financial and commodity markets in NAFTA and Latin America.

An author’s biographical note on his 2019 business ethics book states Tarwater “previously served as the Vice President and CFO for the Rio Grande Bible Seminary (now College) in Edinburg, TX, and was a professor of biblical ethics at SETECA (Central American Theological Seminary) in Guatemala City, Guatemala.”

The Greene County indictment accuses Tarwater of engaging in sexual conduct and sexual contact with a victim younger than 13 during part of the alleged period and younger than 18 in later times.

Prosecutors allege the conduct occurred between August 2019 and July 2025, with at least some occurring in Greene County, including at a Cedarville address identified as 3302 U.S. Route 42 East, a property county records indicate he once owned.

The indictment states that, in several counts, Tarwater allegedly compelled the victim by force or threat of force.

The charges include first-degree felony rape, second- and third-degree felony sexual battery and third- and fourth-degree felony gross sexual imposition, under various sections of the Ohio Revised Code.

Each of the eight counts carries a related specification seeking forfeiture of the Route 42 property as alleged contraband, proceeds or an instrumentality of the offenses.

TRR contacted Greene County Prosecuting Attorney David D. Hayes for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Cedarville University informed the campus community Tuesday of the indictment and arrest in an email from Associate Vice President for Human Resources John W. Davis.

“We were informed in July 2025 that Dr. Tarwater was under investigation for concerning allegations,” Davis wrote in the message to the “Dear Cedarville community.”

“Due to the nature of the investigation, he was immediately placed on administrative leave and restricted from coming on campus,” Davis wrote.

“In October, he was dismissed from his contract,” the email added, referring to Tarwater, who “previously served as professor of finance at Cedarville University.”

“Today we were informed that Dr. Tarwater was indicted by a Greene County Grand Jury and arrested on eight felony counts, including rape, gross sexual imposition, and sexual battery,” Davis wrote.

The university told students, faculty and staff it shared the information “given the indictment and the specific nature of the charges.”

“Our understanding is that these charges do not involve anyone Dr. Tarwater met or interacted with as a University professor,” Davis wrote. “Even so, we desire to be transparent and ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” the message continued.

In an email to TRR, Weinstein reiterated the main points of Davis’ letter and called the arrest a “grievous situation.”

Tarwater’s academic background includes degrees from Carson-Newman University, Duke University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he completed a doctorate in finance in 2018.

His 2002 theology dissertation at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, cited in later literature, examined “The Covenantal Nature of Marriage in the Order of Creation in Genesis 1 and 2.”

In addition to his university work, Tarwater served in financial-services roles, including with Regent’s Wealth Planning LLC and firms associated with Valmark in recent years, according to regulatory filings.

Cedarville urged anyone aware of “any inappropriate behavior from this former professor” to contact the institution’s Title IX office at a university-provided email address.

“This is difficult news that is grievous to read, but we share it because the safety and well-being of our students will always be a guiding priority,” Davis wrote.

“We encourage you to pray for healing for all affected by this situation.”

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LITTLE FALLS, MN — When David DeMenge arrived in Little Falls in 2025, he came with a public testimony about brokenness, secrecy and redemption. In a September 2025 profile in the Morrison County Record, he spoke openly about a pornography addiction he said grew out of trauma, and about the depression and shame that once pushed him to the brink of suicide before he embraced faith and ministry.

Now, DeMenge is facing much more serious allegations. DeMenge, who came to Little Falls from Hutchinson to serve as a pastor, has been charged with seven counts of criminal sexual conduct — a case that casts last year’s introduction in a much different light.

According to a criminal complaint filed in McLeod County District Court, DeMenge, 33, is charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The charges allege the offenses occurred between Jan. 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2018, in McLeod County.

The complaint alleges the victim was younger than 13 during some of the abuse and that DeMenge was more than 36 months older. It also alleges he had a significant relationship with the victim and that the abuse involved multiple acts over an extended period.

According to the probable cause statement, Hutchinson police began investigating after receiving a report Jan. 24, 2026, of a sexual assault disclosure involving a minor child. A forensic interview was conducted Jan. 27. During that interview, the victim described repeated abuse that allegedly began when she was younger than 7.

Investigators later contacted DeMenge about the report. According to the complaint, he initially said he would be willing to meet with law enforcement in Little Falls, but later said he was retaining legal counsel and would not give a statement at that time.

Court records show the complaint was signed March 25 and that DeMenge was charged by summons rather than by arrest warrant. A booking order also directs him to report to the McLeod County Jail for fingerprinting and warns that failure to appear could lead to an arrest warrant. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance at 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 4.

DeMenge and his wife, Kristen DeMenge, were introduced last year as pastors at Trinity Chapel in Little Falls. The church is now known as Dominion Church.

The charges are allegations, and DeMenge is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty in court.

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LIVINGSTON, SC — A South Carolina preacher who worked in Louisiana two decades ago has been jailed in Livingston Parish on a pair of molestation charges, court records show.

COLUMBIA, MO — The leader of an Amish community in Cooper County was arrested on Wednesday over claims of sexual abuse and forced labor at a rural retreat.

Cooper County Sheriff Chris Class said Sam Shetler, 42, was arrested after a search warrant in the 11000 block of Hidden Valley Court at the Mercy and Truth-Amish and Mennonite Retreat between Boonville and Prairie Home.

Prosecutors filed charges on Wednesday, which were made available on Friday, for two counts of trafficking for forced labor and one county sodomy. Shetler is due in court on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for a counsel status hearing.

At least three witnesses spoke to deputies in early 2026 about their experiences at the retreat, describing abusive and controlling conditions.

Court documents show that the sheriff’s office had received numerous tips from 2022 to 2026 about “cult-like” behavior at the retreat in rural Cooper County. Witnesses, many of whom stayed at the retreat when they were teenagers, described working on the property for no pay. Children would be “leased out” for work in town, a witness said, with any pay due going directly to Shetler. Some were made to sleep in the cold or have pepper put in their eyes as punishment.

One witness reported Shetler rubbed oil on them as a means of “healing” prior sexual abuse. The witness said Shetler touched them inappropriately during one encounter. The same witness also allegedly told deputies that they woke on night after taking pills given to her by Shetler to someone holding their legs and arms down, but they couldn’t figure out who it was.

According to court documents, Shetler made at least three women believe they were possessed by demons, and the only way to be healed was through his massages.

“‘Sam would mentally manipulate and mentally torture juvenile females, and young women into believing they were ‘demon possessed’ or that ‘evil spirits’ were present in order to ‘control’ them in exchange for self-gratification,” a Cooper County deputy wrote in a probable cause statement.

Deputies conducted a search warrant on the property after a multi-year investigation.

“The retreat was under the control of one individual who took advantage of his position in the Amish Community to control, coerce, and force vulnerable people for his own profit in different forms,” the sheriff said in a release.

His bond was set at $100,000 cash, according to the release.

Jasper Hoffman is an Amish activist and has a podcast called “The Plain People’s Podast,” where she speaks to Amish women about their experiences with the church and any abuse they might encounter.

Hoffman told ABC 17 News that there are about 70 retreats, like the one in Boonville, in the U.S., that “fly under the radar.”

She said the Boonville case sounds like many of the other retreats.

“It’s very, very typical, like there is nothing that stands out that makes me go ‘Oh my God’ I can’t believe that,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman said standing up to any kind of abuse in the Amish community is difficult, and scary for most women.

“It’s a lot of risk for them, from the inside, to come forward. They’re ostracised, they’ll be cut off from support within the church. That means financial support. Oftentimes, we see a lot of harassment happen with phone calls, driving by, intimidation, and they don’t know that’s illegal,” Hoffman said.

Overall, the retreats are “heartbreaking.”

“Truly, nobody’s really getting the assistance that they need. You know, there’s no therapy there, they’re not really receiving anything, and it’s just further creating harm,” Hoffman said.

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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.

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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.”

According to a Salpointe Catholic website, Sonier is or was the head coach of the girls’ JV team.

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

Churches have a legal and moral duty to protect the children in their care. It’s not enough to just say that the environment is safe. Policies must be actively implemented and enforced so that children are protected.

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.

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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.

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