Gainesville, FL — Authorities have filed three new felony charges of lewd and lascivious molestation against Gabriel Hemenez, a former volunteer with Ignite Life Center and its affiliated summer camp. The latest charges are based on allegations brought forward by a young boy who attended the camp in July 2021. Along with the criminal proceedings, a fifth civil lawsuit was filed this month, accusing both the church and its parent organization of negligence and failing to protect children from abuse.
Hemenez Faces Additional Criminal Charges While Serving Sentences
Court records reveal that Hemenez, previously convicted and serving a five-year sentence at Lancaster Work Camp, now faces three new counts involving allegations that he sexually molested a minor participant during overnight stays at the Ignite Life Center camp. If convicted, his punishment could grow beyond the current eight years of supervised probation and mandatory lifetime sexual offender registration awaiting him after release. Police reports show that three separate incidents occurred at the camp’s dormitory, where Hemenez was assigned to supervise young boys.
In a sworn affidavit obtained from the Gainesville Police Department, investigators note that Hemenez, after being read his rights, stated, “Yeah, I don’t remember that happening at all. If I remember … I think the victim had a top bunk,” and insisted, “I don’t remember it happening and I’m pretty sure it didn’t happen.” Official records clarify that all criminal and civil accusers in the case are boys who were minors at the time of the alleged assaults.
Civil Lawsuits Target Church Leadership and Oversight
The suit, filed July 1, asserts multiple failures in policy enforcement, staff supervision, and child protection, stating that leadership did not intervene despite knowledge of abuse. Previous lawsuits in March 2024 made comparable accusations; those three cases reached mediated settlements in October 2024. The current lawsuit is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 and a jury trial.
Broader Pattern of Abuse Alleged, Lawsuits Span Florida and New York
Parallel to the new criminal charges, a separate pending civil action filed this February involves Christian Vargas, son of Ignite Life Center head pastor Mark Vega. Vargas, who was arrested last year on sex abuse charges, faces a likely plea deal after witness depositions concluded. Moreover, a lawsuit in New York City alleges church-related abuse occurring both in Florida and at an event in the home of former Major League Baseball player Mariano Rivera. Lawsuit documents name Rivera and his wife individually, connected to allegations that the abuse began in Gainesville and escalated during out-of-state visits.
While the civil lawsuits move forward, requests for comment to Ignite Life Center, the Florida Multicultural District, and Refuge of Hope remain unanswered. Arbour confirmed that her clients are currently not speaking to the media.
Additional Church Employees Also Face Related Charges
In a separate criminal development, Noel Cruz, son of a former assistant pastor at Ignite Life Center, accepted a plea deal in January for aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony after similar accusations. He received a sentence of 36 months of probation, with a possible early end at 18 months under certain conditions.
As for the criminal case against Hemenez, the State Attorney’s Office has not yet set a timeline for filing charges, and the case remains open.
Survivors Demand Accountability and Institutional Change
These cases speak to major leadership and oversight issues within church-run programs. As legal proceedings continue and more details emerge, the atmosphere around Ignite Life Center and its leadership remains tense, with families and the community awaiting further developments.
Options for Families of Church Camp Sexual Abuse Victims
When a child suffers abuse at the hands of a trusted church camp volunteer, families face difficult decisions on how to respond legally. Attorney Laurence Banville sits down with seasoned child sex abuse lawyer Michael Haggard to explain the different legal avenues available. They discuss how criminal charges hold offenders responsible, while civil cases address institutional neglect, helping families understand the steps needed to protect their children and demand accountability.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When families learn their child has been harmed by a church camp volunteer, what kinds of legal options are generally available to them?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Families typically have two main paths: criminal prosecution to hold the abuser accountable and civil lawsuits to address negligence by the organization that enabled the abuse. The criminal case targets the offender directly, while civil actions often focus on systemic failures that allowed the abuse to happen.
Banville: In cases like the recent one involving Ignite Life Center, how important is it for families to pursue civil claims against the institution?
Haggard: Civil claims can be vital. They push organizations to take responsibility, encourage policy changes, and offer some measure of justice to victims beyond the criminal process. It also provides a platform for exposing oversight failures and preventing future abuse.
Banville: What should families consider when deciding to move forward with legal action?
Haggard: It’s a personal decision. Families should seek attorneys who understand the sensitivity of these cases and can navigate both emotional and legal complexities. The goal is protecting the child’s well-being, securing accountability, and promoting safer environments.
Church Camp Abuse Survivors Can Take the First Step Toward Justice Today
If you or a loved one has been affected by abuse at a church camp, remember you are not alone. It’s important to understand your rights and explore all legal options available to protect your family and secure accountability. Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation—let us help you find the path forward to healing and justice. Your voice matters, and taking action is the key to change.
