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LLDM Church Leader Naasón Joaquín García Indicted in Decades-Long Sex Trafficking Ring
NEW YORK, NY – The gilded facade of the La Luz del Mundo (“LLDM”) church crumbled today as federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against NAASÓN JOAQUÍN GARCÍA (“NAASÓN”), the church’s leader, and six co-conspirators. The charges? A sprawling racketeering conspiracy fueled by systemic sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and the exploitation of vulnerable members – including children – spanning decades. The indictment alleges the defendants operated the “Joaquín LLDM Enterprise” to facilitate the abuse, with NAASÓN and his late father, former leader SAMUEL JOAQUÍN FLORES (who died in 2014), at the center of a horrifying cycle of predation.
The indictment names ROSA SOSA, AZALIA RANGEL GARCÍA, EVA GARCÍA DE JOAQUÍN, JORAM NÚÑEZ JOAQUÍN, and SILEM GARCÍA PEÑA as co-conspirators. NAASÓN was already in federal custody, serving a state sentence for the sexual abuse of minors when the new charges were filed. GARCÍA DE JOAQUÍN was arrested in Los Angeles this morning and will be presented in the Central District of California. NÚÑEZ JOAQUÍN was apprehended outside of Chicago and will appear in the Northern District of Illinois. SOSA, RANGEL GARCÍA, and GARCÍA PEÑA remain at large and are believed to be in Mexico, with the U.S. government actively pursuing their arrest and extradition. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska.
“For decades, Naasón Joaquín García and the other members of the Joaquín LLDM Enterprise used their position in and the resources of the La Luz del Mundo Church to sexually abuse girls, boys, and women,” declared U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton in a press conference. “They exploited the faith of their followers to prey upon them. When they were confronted, they leveraged their religious influence and financial power to intimidate and coerce victims into remaining silent about the abuse they had suffered.” The indictment details the creation of disturbing photos and videos documenting the alleged abuse, painting a picture of calculated cruelty and control. Clayton emphasized the courage of the victims who came forward, promising full accountability for NAASÓN and his alleged accomplices.
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel described a “years-long investigation” that spanned the country, relying on “dozens of courageous victims.” “The defendants are accused of targeting individuals who gave LLDM Church their unquestioning trust and devotion and who in turn endured unimaginable crimes,” Patel stated. “Make no mistake, the defendants’ alleged cycle of victimization ends today.” The investigation uncovered a pattern of targeting deeply devoted followers, exploiting their faith for nefarious purposes. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward.
The IRS-Criminal Investigation also played a key role, uncovering the financial underpinnings of the alleged criminal enterprise. “Behind the legitimacy of a church and their many believing congregants, Naasón and his co-conspirators built an alleged criminal empire on the sexual abuse of women and children,” said Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “This illicit enterprise hid in the shadows of La Luz del Mundo church while engaging in sex trafficking, child pornography, forced labor, and unlawful financial dealings.” The investigation suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal the abuse through complex financial maneuvers, enriching the perpetrators while silencing the victims.
This case is far from over. The pursuit of SOSA, RANGEL GARCÍA, and GARCÍA PEÑA in Mexico will be a significant undertaking. But the unsealing of this indictment sends a clear message: no one, regardless of their position or perceived power, is above the law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, bringing you the unvarnished truth as it unfolds. The victims deserve justice, and the public deserves to know the full extent of this alleged depravity.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Organized Crime|Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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