Mega church leader charged with child rape has local church in El Centro

Mega church leader of “La Luz Del Mundo “, Naason Joaquin Garcia, is behind bars on charges of child rape and human trafficking.

The mega church is headquartered in Mexico, and has numerous branches across the globe including one church in El Centro and at least eight churches in Mexicali.

Followers of the denomination recognize Garcia as their leader and an apostle from God.

Spokesperson for the church, Silem Garcia said in an interview Wednesday, that the allegations on Garcia were false and that Garcia will continue to lead the church.

Garcia was arrested on Tuesday at the Los Angeles Airport.

California’s Attorney General Xavier Becerra , announced the arrest and filing of charges against Garcia and his co-defendants, for alleged human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor, and other felonies.

Becerra says Garcia and his co-defendants committed these crimes between 2015 and 2018 while leading La Luz Del Mundo church.

Becerra says crimes like those alleged, have no place in our society and that the California Department of Justice will do everything they can to prevent and combat these type of crimes.

A local pastor in Calexico , says it’s unfortunate, but these type of incidents should not discourage the community.

“Pretty shocking, it’s real sad to hear that happening with people who know scripture,” said Saul Garcia, pastor at Iglesia Mas Que Vencedores .

In the criminal complaint filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, the California Department of Justice alleges García and his co-defendants coerced victims into performing sexual acts by telling them that if they went against any of his desires or wishes as “the apostle,” that they were going against God.

We reached out to the Light of the World Church in El Centro, but members refused to comment.

” Putting your trust on man is not a good thing. We’ve seen examples in the Bible of great leaders like David, fall. We always have to be in a place where our leaders and the people who are leading us are held accountable, ” Garcia said.

Garcia is facing 26 felony charges and his bail is set at $25 million dollars.