Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of the Mexico-based megachurch La Luz del Mundo, has been indicted on two counts of producing and possessing child pornography. The charges stem from his alleged involvement with a 16-year-old church member, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. García, who is currently serving a 16-year sentence in a California prison for sex abuse crimes, is expected to appear in United States District Court in the coming weeks for arraignment on the new charges.
García’s megachurch, which claims 5 million followers worldwide, is the largest evangelical church in Mexico. Prosecutors have accused García of abusing his position within the church to coerce young girls into having sex with him. It is alleged that he told them compliance would lead to salvation while refusal would result in damnation. Despite the charges against García, La Luz del Mundo has expressed confidence in his integrity and work.
In 2019, García was initially arrested and faced multiple charges, including owning an illegal firearm and human trafficking. As part of a plea deal in 2022, California prosecutors dropped 16 separate counts, which included allegations of rape, human trafficking, and sexual misconduct.
The indictment on child pornography charges marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against García, further highlighting the allegations of sexual abuse within the megachurch.
