NEW YORK (BN24) — The leader and key figures of the Mexican megachurch Iglesia La Luz del Mundo (LLDM) have been indicted in New York on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, prosecutors announced Wednesday, accusing them of abusing their religious authority to exploit generations of children and women.
Naasón Joaquín García, the current leader of LLDM and already serving a prison sentence in California for sexual abuse convictions, is named along with five others arrested Wednesday at various locations across the country. The indictment alleges the defendants used the church, founded in Mexico in 1926, as a front to traffic women and children, produce child pornography, and engage in financial crimes.
“They exploited the faith of their followers to prey upon them,” said Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. “When confronted, they leveraged their religious influence and financial power to intimidate and coerce victims into remaining silent about the abuse they had suffered.”
According to prosecutors, García orchestrated a close circle of co-conspirators who facilitated the abuse of teenagers and young women, compelling them to produce child sex videos for his gratification. The indictment details how García selected victims under the pretense of church activities, indoctrinating congregants from birth with threats of eternal damnation if they disobeyed his demands.
A Homeland Security Investigations official said the charges culminate from a yearlong investigation involving dozens of victims nationwide. The indictment also highlights a disturbing legacy of abuse passed down from García’s father and grandfather, previous “apostles” of the church who allegedly raped and manipulated congregants.
Each leader allegedly promised “special blessings” to girls and women who served their sexual demands, prosecutors said. The indictment also accuses the defendants of misusing church donations to finance García’s lavish lifestyle, including travel and hiring lieutenants to ensure victims were always available for abuse. Funds were reportedly spent on sex toys and supplies to cover up evidence.
LLDM did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Legal representatives for García and the other accused were not yet available.
