The Latest Breaking News from La Luz del Mundo

Leaders of Mexican megachurch led a sprawling sex-trafficking enterprise, US prosecutors allege

The family behind La Luz del Mundo Church allegedly facilitated sexual abuse of children and women for decades

The Guardian - US · Sep 28, 2025

La Luz del Mundo Mexican Megachurch Leader Already in Prison Now Indicted by New York Grand Jury

Naasón Joaquín García, the self-proclaimed "Apostle of Jesus Christ" and head of the Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo, was formally indicted Tuesday in a federal court in Manhattan on charges of sex trafficking, child exploitation, and conspiracy to engage in organized crime.

Latin Times · Sep 10, 2025

Imprisoned 'apostle' of Mexican megachurch La Luz del Mundo charged with federal child pornography

The leader of a Mexican megachurch who is serving more than 16 years in a California prison for sexually abusing young followers has been charged with two federal crimes involving a 16-year-old girl

The Independent UK · Oct 26, 2023

Mexican faith leader jailed for sex abuse; flock stays loyal

The leader of a multinational, Mexico-based Christian church is imprisoned in California after pleading guilty to sexually abusing minors

The Independent UK · Sep 18, 2022

La Luz del Mundo dissidents pressure authorities, seek more charges against 'apostle'

LOS ANGELES — Holding her sons tight, Deborah Contreras shuddered with sobs as the women in a Los Angeles courtroom recounted years of sexual abuse inflicted by the man they once believed was an "apostle" of Jesus Christ.

Los Angeles Times · Jul 21, 2022

Leader of Mexican megachurch sentenced in US for child sex abuse

Naason Joaquin Garcia, head of a church with five million followers, has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison.

Al Jazeera · Jun 9, 2022

La Luz del Mundo ‘apostle’ sentenced to nearly 17 years as victims detail sexual slavery

LOS ANGELES — Naason Joaquin Garcia, the leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years and eight months in prison for sexually abusing juvenile members of his congregation.

Los Angeles Times · Jun 8, 2022

Mexican megachurch leader given nearly 17 years in U.S. prison for child sex abuse

The head of a Mexico-based evangelical megachurch that claims about 5 million followers worldwide was sentenced on Wednesday in a Los Angeles courtroom to 16 years and eight months in prison for sexually abusing three girls.

Reuters · Jun 8, 2022

Alleged victims of Mexico-based church leader ask for maximum sentence

Several of the alleged victims of the leader of a Mexico-based church are speaking out ahead of his sentencing, asking for him to receive maximum prison time.

Reuters · Jun 7, 2022

Mexico-based church leader pleads guilty to sexually abusing 3 children

The head of a Mexico-based evangelical megachurch that claims about 5 million followers worldwide pleaded guilty on Friday to felony counts of sexually abusing three children, California state prosecutors announced on Friday.

Reuters · Jun 4, 2022