Richmond, CA – In a shocking turn of events, a Richmond pastor has been taken into custody and charged with kidnapping and molesting a child. The victim, who is under the age of 14, is a member of the pastor’s congregation, Iglesia Pentecostes Movimiento de Gloria in Richmond, an East Bay church catering to immigrants from Central America. Disturbingly, authorities suspect that there may be additional victims involved.
Pastor Arrested for Kidnapping and Molesting a Child
On Friday afternoon, the Richmond Police Department arrested Pastor Victor Manuel Hernandez. The decision to apprehend him was expedited due to concerns that he might have become aware of the ongoing investigation, posing a risk to the victim or attempting to flee. Hernandez now faces four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and three counts of kidnapping.
A Betrayal of Trust as Pastor Sexually Abuses Child
Hernandez-Pineda is now facing multiple counts of kidnapping and continuous molestation of a child. This distressing case highlights the betrayal of trust as a spiritual leader and authority figure takes advantage of a vulnerable child.
The church, which once attracted over 150 people for its services, has seen a significant decline in attendance following the emergence of sexual abuse allegations against Pastor Hernandez. Several months ago, reports of sexual abuse began to surface, leading to a loss of faith and trust within the congregation. Today, the church struggles to draw a dozen people on a Sunday.
A Victim Speaks Up After Clergy Abuse
Karen Cifuentes, now 21 years old, recently revealed to her parents that when she was thirteen, Pastor Hernandez convinced her that engaging in sexual acts was God’s will. According to Karen, the abuse occurred on multiple occasions over a span of three years. She resisted due to their age difference, Hernandez’s marital status, and his position as her spiritual leader. Karen expressed how the abuse profoundly affected her mental well-being, leading to a decline in her academic performance and strained relationships with her family.
Devastated Parents Seek Justice for Victim of Child Abuse
Karen’s parents, Pablo and Sonia Cifuentes, were devastated when their daughter disclosed the abuse. Sonia Gonzales, Karen’s mother, expressed disbelief and blamed herself for confiding in the pastor. The family had sought love and help within the church but ended up being deeply harmed. They made the difficult decision to leave the church a month ago and have vowed never to return.
Pablo Cifuentes, a former senior official and elder at the church, shared his anger and desire for justice. He reported the abuse to the police, fearing that taking matters into his own hands would only lead to more trouble. Dissatisfied with the lack of response from law enforcement, he reached out to the I-Team for assistance. Other church members, including Joseline Alvarez and her mother, have also come forward with similar allegations against Pastor Hernandez.
Possibility of More Victims Abused By Church Pastor
Authorities are deeply concerned that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. In an effort to reach out to them and gather more information, Richmond police are urging anyone with relevant information or who may have been victimized to contact their detectives or the family justice center. By spreading awareness, law enforcement hopes to provide support to any victims and build a strong case against Hernandez-Pineda.
Legal Proceeding Against Child Sex Abuser
Hernandez-Pineda is currently being held on a staggering $7 million bail. Richmond police plan to meet with Contra Costa County prosecutors early next week to discuss filing charges against the pastor. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement remains committed to bringing justice to the victims and their families.
Karen Cifuentes, determined to ensure her safety and prevent further harm, wants to see Pastor Hernandez held accountable for his actions. She fears retaliation but firmly believes that the police and justice system must intervene. Sonia Aldana, Joseline Alvarez’s mother, also quit the church out of concern for her daughter’s well-being. Both parents and victims are calling for a thorough investigation and for Pastor Hernandez to face the consequences of his alleged crimes.
Pursuing Justice and Healing for Victims of Clergy Sex Abuse: Insights from an Experienced Clergy Abuse Attorney
In light of the disturbing case involving the Richmond pastor charged with kidnapping and molesting a child, we reached out to attorney Bobby Thompson, Esq., a renowned California-based child abuse lawyer, to shed light on the legal options available to victims and their families for seeking justice through civil cases against liable parties. In an exclusive conversation with attorney Laurence Banville, Thompson provided valuable insights and guidance.
Attorney Laurence Banville (LB): Thank you for joining us, Attorney Thompson. Considering the gravity of this case, what avenues are available for victims of clergy sex abuse and their families to pursue justice through a civil case?
Attorney Bobby Thompson (BT): It’s a pleasure to be here, Attorney Banville, although the circumstances are deeply troubling. Victims of clergy sex abuse and their families have legal recourse through civil cases against liable parties, such as the offending clergy member, the religious institution, or even individuals within the organization who may have enabled or covered up the abuse.
LB: Can you elaborate on the legal process involved in pursuing a civil case against these liable parties?
BT: Certainly. In civil cases involving clergy sex abuse, victims and their families can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have suffered. This often involves gathering evidence, including medical records, therapy records, and witness testimonies, to establish the liability of the accused parties. It’s crucial to work with a skilled attorney experienced in handling clergy abuse cases to navigate the legal complexities and advocate for the victims’ rights.
LB: What challenges can victims and their families expect to face when pursuing civil cases related to clergy sex abuse?
BT: Victims and their families often face various challenges when pursuing civil cases in clergy sex abuse situations. These can include the emotional toll of reliving the trauma, potential resistance or denial from the accused parties, and the intricate legal procedures involved. However, with the right legal representation, victims can obtain the justice they deserve and hold accountable those responsible for their suffering.
LB: What advice do you have for victims and their families who may be considering pursuing a civil case?
BT: Firstly, I want to emphasize that victims of clergy sex abuse are not alone, and there is support available for them. My advice would be to seek legal counsel from an attorney experienced in handling these types of cases. They can guide victims and their families through the legal process, provide emotional support, and fight passionately for their rights. It’s important to remember that justice can be pursued, and holding accountable those responsible can help bring closure and healing to the survivors and their families.
LB: Thank you for your valuable insights, Attorney Thompson. Your expertise provides a crucial understanding of the legal options available to victims and their families in these distressing cases.
Free Consultations to Fight Clergy Abuse
We continue to stand by clergy abuse victims and their families, urging anyone who may have been victimized by a trusted pastor to come forward and seek justice. The pursuit of justice is essential, not only to hold the responsible parties accountable but also to provide support and healing to those affected. Call today for a free consultation.
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
Comments for this article are closed.