Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Federal authorities have announced charges against Naasón Joaquín García, the leader of the La Luz del Mundo Church, and several associates for alleged racketeering, sex trafficking, and child exploitation. The indictment was unsealed by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New York; and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge at IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) in New York.
According to prosecutors, García and his co-defendants are accused of operating a criminal enterprise within the church that systematically abused members over decades. Those charged include Rosa Sosa, Azalia Rangel García, Eva García de Joaquín, Joram Núñez Joaquín, and Silem García Peña.
Naasón Joaquín García was taken into federal custody in Chino, California while serving a state sentence related to sexual abuse of minors. Eva García de Joaquín was arrested in Los Angeles and is expected to appear before a judge there. Joram Núñez Joaquín was arrested outside Chicago and will be presented in Illinois federal court. Authorities believe Sosa, Rangel García, and García Peña are currently in Mexico; U.S. officials plan to seek their extradition.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska.
“As alleged in the Indictment, 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,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “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 includes charges against those who systemically aided Naasón’s alleged sexual exploitation of teenagers and young women, including creating photos and videos of abuse and other unspeakable criminal conduct. We commend the victims who have come forward for their extraordinary courage and desire to bring an end to decades of abuse. This Office will hold Naasón and others who aided this alleged abuse fully accountable.”
“A yearslong investigation that spanned the country and involved the support of dozens of courageous victims culminated with today’s charges stemming from decades of alleged exploitation and outright abuse of young woman and children,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The defendants are accused of targeting individuals who gave LLDM Church their unquestioning trust and devotion and who in turn endured unimaginable crimes. Make no mistake, the defendants’ alleged cycle of victimization ends today. I thank the brave survivors who provided law enforcement with vital information related to these allegations, and I encourage others with helpful information to do the same.”
“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 IRS-CI 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 . Each person involved is complicit in promoting then hiding these insidious acts,but it is this investigation that will bring all years mistreatment sexual abuses light . IRS-CI HSI special agents partnered on this case worked closely with U.S.Attorney for Southern District New York bring Naasón his co-conspirators’ alleged crimes out dark all world see.”
Prosecutors allege that over several decades across multiple countries—including Mexico—and within various branches worldwide,the accused used their positions inside La Luz del Mundo Church both as cover for criminal activity such as sex trafficking ,child pornography production ,forced labor ,illegal structuring cash transactions ,bulk cash smuggling ,and as means threaten silence victims .
García allegedly directed close associates—some family members—to facilitate his access to teenage girls for purposes outlined above,and instructed them create visual records which law enforcement has since seized . Victims were reportedly coerced through manipulation church doctrine,and taught from birth fear ostracism if they did not comply or report misconduct .
According allegations,members Garcia family leading roles history spanning three generations beginning 1926 founding Guadalajara,Mexico . Leaders allegedly promised “blessings” exchange submission,often involving sexual acts .
Other defendants played supporting roles : Sosa reportedly groomed abused minors herself ; Eva Garcia de Joaquin allegedly engaged similar conduct ; Rangel Garcia also cited as active participant ; Nuñez Joaquin falsely claimed be legal counsel prevent reporting ; Garcia Pena handled public relations discouraged complaints .
Financial contributions made by congregants intended support church operations instead allegedly diverted fund travel,luxury items,evidence destruction activities tied furtherance offenses described above .
After initial arrest California 2019,some co-conspirators attempted pressure survivors recant destroy physical evidence using methods like shredding burning submerging electronics water.
The investigation continues; authorities urge anyone affected contact law enforcement via phone or email listed by prosecutors.
If convicted on most serious counts,García,Sosa,Rangel Garcia,Eva Garcia de Joaquin face possible life sentences; Nuñez Joaquin,García Pena face up twenty years prison depending charge . Minimum mandatory sentences apply certain offenses as set forth by Congress.
Jay Clayton commended work investigators at HSI ,IRS-CI,various local police departments,federal agencies ,and international partners including Mexican government.The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S.Attorneys Ryan W.Allison,Lisa Daniels ,Elizabeth A.Espinosa Michael R.Herman.The office notes all defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty.
