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A blurred photo of the inside of a church sanctuary that is filled with people in the pews, and the pastor stands under a large cross at the altar.
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Sunnyside, WA – Yakima County prosecutors have filed charges against Abner Vazquez, a 54-year-old pastor from Sunnyside, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman he knows. Vazquez, who leads El Gran Rey Jesus church on East Edison Avenue, now faces one count of third-degree assault and two counts of taking indecent liberties, all classified as felony charges.

WA Pastor Maintains Innocence Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

Despite the serious allegations, Vazquez has been released on $10,000 bail and continues to preach at his church. When contacted by phone about the charges, Vazquez stated, “I’m not guilty.”

Alleged Incidents Reported Leading to Pastor’s Arrest

The victim reported multiple instances of sexual assault to Sunnyside police on April 9. According to the probable cause affidavit, the first incident occurred on April 4, when Vazquez allegedly grabbed the woman’s wrists, pushed her onto a bed, and groped her thigh. The victim believes Vazquez’s wife’s intervention prevented a potential rape.

Subsequent incidents reportedly took place on April 8 and 9, involving unwanted physical contact and forceful attempts at intimate acts. The victim also claimed to have witnessed Vazquez behaving inappropriately with two other women.

Vazquez was taken into custody on April 10 and posted bail two days later. Yakima County Superior Court Judge Sonia Rodriguez True set the bail at $10,000 and ordered Vazquez to maintain a 1,000-foot distance from the victim.

Legal Recourse for Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse

The recent charges against a Sunnyside pastor have brought the issue of clergy sexual abuse back into the public eye. As communities grapple with the impact of such allegations, questions arise about the legal rights of victims and the accountability of religious institutions. To address these concerns, we spoke with Mike Pfau, a seasoned attorney specializing in child sexual abuse cases. In this interview, Pfau shares valuable information on the legal options available to survivors, the process of holding negligent parties responsible, and the importance of seeking professional legal counsel. His insights offer a roadmap for victims and their families navigating the complex landscape of clergy abuse cases.

Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options do victims have in cases involving sexual abuse by a pastor?

Mike Pfau, Esq.: Victims can file civil lawsuits against both the abuser and any organizations that negligently allowed the abuse to occur. This may include the church or other entities that employed the pastor.

Banville: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these situations?

Pfau: Negligent parties can be held liable if they failed to properly screen employees, ignored red flags or complaints, or did not implement adequate protection policies. For example, if a church received previous complaints about a pastor’s behavior but took no action, they could be considered negligent.

Banville: What types of compensation can victims seek in these cases?

Pfau: Victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including costs of psychological counseling, emotional distress, and potential loss of earning capacity. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages against the organizations involved might also be possible.

Banville: What advice do you have for victims and their families?

Pfau: I strongly encourage victims and their families to come forward and speak with an experienced attorney. There are often time limits for filing claims, so it’s important to understand your legal rights and options as soon as possible. Many law firms, including ours, offer free, confidential consultations to discuss these sensitive matters.

Support and Legal Guidance for Survivors of Clergy Abuse

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, remember that you are not alone, and help is available. The path to healing and justice can be challenging, but with proper legal support, survivors can hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable. Our team of compassionate and experienced attorneys is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss your case and explore your options. Don’t let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help protect your rights and work towards your recovery.

Source:

https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/sunnyside-pastor-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-woman/article_c4d6a66e-17d8-11ef-8ee2-afb34d4ea236.html

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