Juan Barrios Fullerton Pastor Arrested For Alleged Child Sex Abuse
Juan Barrios, 51, a Fullerton pastor, was arrested for child sexual abuse. Barrios was a pastor at Fullerton church Iglesia de Dios Israelita. According to reports, Barrios was engaged in the sexual abuse of minors for several years. This case highlights the continued concerns that many Americans have about the safety of children in religious institutions.
In many communities, religious leaders tend to be some of the most trusted people children look up to and believe will keep them safe. However, reports across the nation where religious leaders have harmed children are far too frequent. When this happens, an accused religious leader can face criminal charges and civil lawsuits for their actions. In a civil suit, victims have the ability to seek justice and potentially obtain compensation for the abuse they had to endure.
Our California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law P.C. can assist you with a civil action if you or a loved one were the victim of child sexual abuse in California.
The Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Against Juan Barrios
In May 2024, a man came forward to authorities and told them that when he was young, Juan Barrios, his pastor, sexually assaulted him. He continued that the abuse started when he was nine and went on for many years. This revelation led to the Riverside Police Department opening up an investigation into Juan Barrios.
After the first accuser came forward, his younger brother also said that he, too, was abused by Barrios. According to the brothers, the abuse occurred during the years between 2009 to 2015. During this time, the brothers lived with their family at Barrios’ Riverside home.
The investigation led to the arrest of Juan Barrios on September 8. Barrios was given a $500,000 bail and eventually released on bond. In light of Barrios’s work at his church, It is believed that there are potentially more victims who have yet to come forward with their stories. As a result, the police, in this case, are seeking more information and asking that if any other victims exist, they come forward and give their accounts of the abuse they suffered.
Resources for the Riverside Community
If Juan Barrios victimized you or if you have a tip, the police are encouraging you to contact any of the following:
- Officer Kimberly Coronado can be reached at (951) 353-7949 or by email at KCoronado@RiversideCA.gov
- Detective Christian Wilcox can be reached at (951) 353-7133
- You may also submit an anonymous tip through the Atlas 1 mobile app
Speak to a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
It can be extremely difficult and emotional for a victim of sexual abuse to step forward and talk about what happened to them and what they were put through. But doing so can be a part of the healing process.
If you or your child was abused at a religious institution in California, you may be able to file a California child sexual abuse claim. Please call our California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. at (707) 576-7175 to schedule an initial, free consultation. We are prepared and ready to help you seek justice and get the most from your claim.
