<mediadc-video-embed data-state="{"cms.site.owner":{"_ref":"00000161-3486-d333-a9e9-76c6fbf30000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b93390000"},"cms.content.publishDate":1654790518911,"cms.content.publishUser":{"_ref":"0000017d-fe9d-da96-ad7d-ffbf8a5c0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"cms.content.updateDate":1654790518911,"cms.content.updateUser":{"_ref":"0000017d-fe9d-da96-ad7d-ffbf8a5c0000","_type":"00000161-3461-dd66-ab67-fd6b933a0007"},"rawHtml":"
var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_54788932", "obj": {"id":"27789","width":"16","height":"9","video":"1029137"} }); ","_id":"00000181-4933-d590-a5f1-cbb36f690000","_type":"2f5a8339-a89a-3738-9cd2-3ddf0c8da574"}”>Video EmbedThe leader of a Mexico-based megachurch was sentenced to 16 years and 8 months in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty in the sexual abuse of three underage girls.
Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of La Luz del Mundo, 53, pleaded guilty last Friday in Los Angeles to two counts of forcible oral copulation involving minors and performing a lewd act on a child, as reported by NBC.
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“Today’s sentence for Naasón Joaquín García is a critical step forward for justice,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. “While it will never undo the harm and trauma he caused as the leader of La Luz del Mundo, this sentence makes it crystal clear that abusers — no matter who they are — will be held accountable. Sexual assault is never acceptable. My heart goes out to all those affected by the horrific actions brought to light during this case.”
Last Friday’s plea came just three days before Garcia was set to stand trial for 23 felony counts, including multiple rape, human trafficking, and child pornography charges.
Prosecutors argued that Garcia used his influence as a spiritual leader to have sex with several female followers, according to ABC7.
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Garcia will also be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life as part of his plea deal.
