IRVINE, CA — A church staff member has been taken into custody following allegations of multiple sexual assaults involving a minor over the course of a decade.
Irvine Police confirmed that Michael Robert Maxwell, 42, was arrested at a residence on Whitecloud as part of an active investigation. Authorities say the victim, now a teenager, reported that the abuse began years earlier and continued into recent times.
Sexual Abuse Charges Filed Against Redeemer Church Employee
Maxwell faces a series of felony charges, including oral copulation, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, sexual penetration with a foreign object, lewd or lascivious acts with a child, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
According to police, Maxwell served as an elder at Redeemer Church of Orange County in Newport Beach. Investigators have not confirmed whether the victim had any connection to the church.
Ongoing Investigation into Years-Long Child Sex Abuse
Kyle Odoerp, spokesperson for the Irvine Police Department, stated that the victim came forward earlier this month. Detectives are now working to determine whether additional victims exist.
Police have released Maxwell’s booking photo and are urging anyone with information to reach out. Detective Vincent Vasquez can be contacted at vvasquez@cityofirvine.org.
Community Reaction to Arrest of Church Staffer
The arrest has sparked concern within the Newport Beach faith community, where Maxwell held a leadership position. Redeemer Church has not yet issued a public statement regarding his status or affiliation following the arrest.
Authorities emphasize that their priority is supporting the victim and encouraging others, if any, to come forward as the investigation develops.
Legal Options for Survivors After Sexual Abuse by a Church Employee
When allegations of sexual abuse involve a church staff member, survivors often face not only emotional trauma but also uncertainty about their legal rights. To better understand what options exist beyond the criminal case, our team spoke with California sexual abuse lawyer Jason Amala about how civil law can provide survivors with a path to accountability and compensation.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When someone comes forward with allegations of long-term sexual abuse by a church staff member, what options exist beyond the criminal case?
Jason Amala, Esq.: The criminal charges focus on punishment, but survivors also have civil options. In California, victims can file lawsuits against not only the individual offender but also institutions that may have enabled or ignored the misconduct. These cases often address issues of negligence, supervision failures, or policies that allowed the abuse to continue.
Banville: Some survivors worry it’s been too long since the abuse occurred. How does that affect their ability to take action?
Amala: That’s a common concern. California has extended the statute of limitations for survivors. Even if the abuse took place years ago, many victims can still file civil claims today. It’s always worth talking to a lawyer to understand the current legal window based on the survivor’s age and circumstances.
Banville: So, in short, survivors may still have a path to seek accountability even if years have passed?
Amala: Absolutely. The laws are designed to give people the chance to come forward when they’re ready. Both the civil courts and supportive resources exist to help survivors take that step.
Support and Legal Guidance Is Available
Survivors of sexual abuse and their families do not have to face this alone. If you or someone you love has experienced abuse by a church staff member, we encourage you to reach out. Our legal team offers confidential, free consultations to discuss your options and help you understand the steps available for accountability and recovery.
