Megachurch Leader and Mother Indicted on Serious Charges

On September 13, 2023, Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of the La Luz del Mundo megachurch, along with his mother, Eva García de Joaquín, and four associates, were indicted on federal charges that include racketeering, child pornography, and sex trafficking. The indictment, which was recently unsealed, exposes a disturbing pattern of abuse and exploitation that prosecutors allege has persisted for generations within the church’s hierarchy.

Background of La Luz del Mundo

La Luz del Mundo, or “Light of the World,” is a Mexico-based nondenominational Christian church that has claimed millions of followers globally. Founded nearly a century ago by García’s grandfather, Aarón Joaquín González, the church has been a significant religious force in Mexico and the United States. However, it has also faced serious allegations of abuse and misconduct from former members, which have culminated in this latest round of federal charges.

Details of the Indictment

The indictment outlines grave accusations against García, 56, who is currently serving a 16-year, 8-month sentence in California after pleading guilty to state sex abuse charges in 2022. He was transferred to federal custody following the unsealing of the indictment. His mother, Eva, 79, was arrested the same day in Los Angeles. García’s attorney, Alan Jackson, has publicly denied the charges, asserting that they are unfounded and part of a larger campaign against him.

Prosecutors allege that the García family has exploited their leadership positions to facilitate sexual abuse among church members. The indictment claims that García, his late father Samuel Joaquín Flores, and his grandfather systematically abused followers, with allegations that Eva García de Joaquín held down a minor victim during one of these abuses. The indictment further asserts that many victims remained within the church, leading to generational cycles of abuse.

Survivor Reactions

The unsealing of the indictment has been met with relief by survivors of abuse within the church. Sochil Martin, a former member who has cooperated with authorities, expressed that many survivors are finally speaking out. Martin shared that her aunt, who was assaulted by church leaders in her youth, felt a sense of justice upon hearing the news of the federal charges. “It was a good day for her,” Martin said, highlighting the significance of accountability for past abuses.

Allegations of Financial Misconduct

In addition to the serious charges of abuse, the indictment reveals extensive financial misconduct. During searches of properties linked to García and his mother, law enforcement seized over $1 million in cash, luxury items, and valuables. Prosecutors noted the presence of a hidden safe containing significant amounts of cash and gold coins, suggesting that the church leadership had access to substantial resources that could facilitate their alleged criminal activities.

Co-defendants and Their Roles

The indictment includes four additional defendants:

– **Joram Núñez Joaquín**, 37, a relative accused of posing as a lawyer and attempting to silence victims and destroy evidence.
– **Silem García Peña**, 43, who allegedly worked to prevent abuse reports as the church’s public relations head.
– **Rosa Sosa**, 59, and **Azalia Rangel García**, 46, who are both accused of grooming victims and engaging in abuse.

While Núñez Joaquín was arrested outside Chicago, the other three defendants are believed to be at large in Mexico.

The Church’s Culture of Control

The church’s leadership has been described as having extreme power over its followers. The documentary “Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo” sheds light on the oppressive environment within the church, where dissent is met with severe consequences. Martin described the church as having a mafia-like structure, where members who speak out face intimidation and threats.

Jennifer Tiexiera, the director of the documentary, emphasized that while many church members are genuinely committed to their faith, the corruption lies within the hierarchy. “It’s not the membership that’s wholly corrupt; it’s the hierarchy,” she stated.

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

The federal charges against García and his co-defendants follow years of investigation, supported by testimonies from numerous victims. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that the leaders of La Luz del Mundo exploited the faith of their followers, using their religious influence to intimidate and silence victims.

The case has been assigned to District Judge Loretta Preska, who has previously handled sex-trafficking cases involving high-profile figures, including Jeffrey Epstein. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of various properties owned by the church leadership, including multiple homes in Los Angeles and a rural property in San Bernardino County.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the church’s future remains uncertain. While La Luz del Mundo claims to have over 6 million followers worldwide, prosecutors have noted that reliable membership numbers are not available, raising questions about the church’s operations and influence.

Key Facts

– **Indicted Individuals**: Naasón Joaquín García, Eva García de Joaquín, and four associates.
– **Charges**: Racketeering, child pornography, and sex trafficking.
– **Potential Penalties**: Some charges carry maximum sentences of life in prison.
– **Current Status**: García is serving a state prison sentence; his mother was arrested on the day of the indictment.
– **Allegations**: Systematic abuse and exploitation of church members spanning generations.
– **Financial Findings**: Law enforcement seized over $1 million in cash and valuables from the García family.
– **Cultural Context**: The church has been described as having a mafia-like structure, with severe repercussions for dissenters.

Source: www.npr.org