Sunnyside – Outlook, WA – Yakima County authorities have charged a 32-year-old youth pastor from the Sunnyside-Outlook region with multiple sex offenses involving a teenage girl. Prosecutors allege Benjamin Felix Guerra committed several serious crimes, including second-degree rape, third-degree child molestation, three counts of third-degree child rape, and one count of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. The specific location where Guerra served as a youth pastor has not been disclosed by officials.
Sex Offense Charges Filed Against Sunnyside-Area Youth Pastor
Guerra was charged this week in Yakima County Superior Court and has since posted bail. He is scheduled for formal arraignment on April 24. According to the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, the 15-year-old victim reported the alleged abuse to adults, who then contacted law enforcement.
Investigation Reveals Teen Allegedly Abused by Local Youth Pastor
Detectives report that Guerra acknowledged the teenager had visited his home on multiple occasions but denied any sexual contact. The case is part of a growing workload for the Yakima County Sheriff’s Detective division, which has already investigated six separate sex offense cases this year and is currently preparing to look into nine additional active cases.
Sheriff’s Office Urges Victims to Come Forward
The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who has experienced sexual assault or abuse to contact law enforcement. Officials emphasize the need for thorough investigations, support for victims, and the prosecution of suspects.
Legal Pathways for Families: Addressing Youth Pastor Abuse Cases
Following recent charges against a Sunnyside-area youth pastor for alleged sex crimes involving a minor, The Legal Examiner spoke with veteran Washington attorney Mike Pfau about legal options for families navigating similar cases. Pfau, who has represented survivors of clergy abuse in Washington for years, outlines steps families can take to protect their rights, hold institutions accountable, and secure support for victims. His guidance focuses on Washington’s legal framework, civil action timelines, and the importance of preserving evidence in abuse cases involving trusted community figures.
Laurence Banville: When abuse involves trusted figures like youth pastors, what immediate steps should survivors consider?
Mike Pfau, Esq.: First, prioritize safety and medical care. Then, document everything – texts, emails, witness accounts. Survivors can pursue civil claims separately from criminal cases, holding institutions accountable if negligence enabled access to victims.
Banville: How do Washington’s laws affect these cases?
Pfau: Washington allows civil suits until the victim’s 21st birthday or three years from the discovery of harm. Recent reforms also permit lawsuits against organizations that failed to protect children, which is critical in pastoral abuse cases.
Banville: What compensation might survivors seek?
Pfau: Damages often cover therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. More importantly, civil cases force transparency, exposing how predators operated and institutions failed.
Take Action Now: Free Consultations Available for Clergy Abuse Survivor Families
If your family has been impacted by abuse involving a trusted figure, like a youth pastor, legal support is critical. Contact our team today for a confidential, no-cost consultation to discuss your rights, explore pathways to accountability, and ensure access to the resources needed for healing. Time-sensitive legal options may be reached out to now to protect your family’s future.
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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
