Megachurch Leader and Mother Indicted on Federal Sex Trafficking and Racketeering Charges

U.S. Authorities Charge La Luz del Mundo Leaders in Massive Cross-Border Exploitation Case

Six high-ranking members of the Mexico-based La Luz del Mundo megachurch, including its self-proclaimed “apostle” Naasón Joaquín García, his 79-year-old mother, Eva García de Joaquín, and four associates, have been indicted on federal charges of sex trafficking, child pornography, and racketeering. The charges, unsealed in New York’s Southern District, describe an international criminal enterprise built on decades of abuse, coercion, and the exploitation of faith.

García, 56, was already serving a 16-year prison sentence in California after pleading guilty in 2022 to state-level sex abuse charges. The new federal indictment accuses him and his family of leading a multi-generational network of sexual abuse and financial crimes spanning the United States, Mexico, and beyond.

Authorities allege that the Joaquín family — who have controlled La Luz del Mundo since its founding in 1926 — used their religious authority to manipulate, groom, and traffic church members, including minors, for sexual exploitation and forced labor.

Generations of Abuse Hidden Within a Global Religious Empire

Federal prosecutors say the abuse within La Luz del Mundo was systematic and intergenerational, carried out by García, his late father Samuel Joaquín Flores, and grandfather Aarón Joaquín González, the church’s founder. The indictment claims that women and children who were abused under one generation’s leadership often remained in the church and later saw their own children victimized by the next.

The charges against García’s mother, Eva García de Joaquín, include direct participation in the assaults. Prosecutors allege that she physically restrained a minor victim so her late husband could commit rape.

Survivor and former church member Sochil Martin, who has cooperated with U.S. investigators, told NPR that the news represents “a long-awaited day of justice.”

“Even though Samuel left this world and didn’t pay his debt to society and to the kids that he abused, at least his wife is now living to see that day,” Martin said. “That’s a form of justice for a lot of survivors.”

Federal Charges Detail Sexual Rituals, Trafficking, and Exploitation

The newly unsealed indictment paints a horrific picture of organized sexual abuse that prosecutors say was masked by religious devotion and secrecy. García and his associates allegedly engaged in “sadistic sexual rituals” involving rape, forced incest, and the exploitation of children as young as 13.

Victims were reportedly transported across borders to attend religious events in Asia, Europe, Africa, Mexico, and the United States, where they were coerced into performing sexual acts under the guise of spiritual service. Prosecutors say the network also laundered money and smuggled cash and assets, using the church’s vast resources to conceal their crimes.

When federal agents searched García’s and his mother’s adjoining homes in East Los Angeles, they discovered over $1 million in cash, gold coins, luxury watches, and jewelry. A hidden underground compartment contained an additional $220,000 in cash and valuables, further illustrating the immense financial power the family wielded over their followers.

Church Leaders Held Vast Power Over Millions of Followers

Founded in Guadalajara, Mexico, La Luz del Mundo claims more than 6 million followers across 60 countries, including congregations in New York, California, Texas, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

The HBO documentary Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo explored the church’s inner workings, depicting García as a religious figure who commanded extreme devotion and obedience. Director Jennifer Tiexiera described the leadership’s influence as “absolute,” saying,

“The members believe that’s their direct connection to God himself. The hierarchy’s power is what allows this abuse to persist.”

Victims who resisted or attempted to report their abuse were reportedly threatened, ostracized, or silenced through intimidation. Prosecutors say García’s relative Joram Núñez Joaquín, a law school graduate, posed as an attorney to threaten victims, destroy evidence, and suppress witnesses.

Federal Prosecutors Vow Accountability for Religious Exploitation

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the defendants’ alleged actions, emphasizing the misuse of faith and authority:

“They exploited the faith of their followers to prey upon them. When confronted, they leveraged their religious influence and financial power to intimidate and coerce victims into silence.”

The case is being prosecuted in New York’s Southern District under Judge Loretta Preska, who also presided over the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking cases.

Homeland Security officials credited the courage of survivors for enabling the charges.

“I thank the brave survivors who provided law enforcement with vital information,” said HSI Special Agent Ricky Patel. “We encourage others with information to come forward.”

If convicted, García and his co-defendants face life imprisonment for the most serious offenses.

Protecting Survivors of Religious and Institutional Abuse

The La Luz del Mundo indictment underscores the devastating impact of religious authority used as a weapon. Survivors of abuse within faith-based organizations often face deep emotional trauma, social isolation, and retaliation when they speak out.

Legal representation plays a crucial role in ensuring that survivors’ voices are amplified, their rights protected, and their abusers held accountable.

Legal Support for Survivors in New York

Thomas Giuffra, Esq., managing attorney at Survivors of Abuse NY, has represented survivors of religious, institutional, and sexual abuse throughout New York and across the nation. His firm works to expose those who use positions of trust — including clergy and church officials — to exploit others.

“Survivors who come forward in cases like these show incredible bravery,” said Thomas Giuffra, Esq. “No matter how powerful the institution, justice is possible when survivors’ stories are heard.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of religious or institutional sexual abuse, confidential help is available. Contact Survivors of Abuse NY for a free consultation or reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Source:

https://www.npr.org/2025/09/13/nx-s1-5537890/megachurch-leader-and-his-mother-indicted-on-sex-trafficking-and-racketeering-charges