Jose Manuel Lozano Hesperia Pastor Accused of Sexual Abuse
A pastor from a church in Hesperia has been arrested on charges of child sexual abuse. The pastor, Jose Manuel Lozano, was arrested and is being held at the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto. Adelanto is located in San Bernardino County, California. Lozano is accused of sexually abusing two foster children, ages 10 and 16. The young victims are both girls. The pastor is held in lieu of $5 million bail.
Who is Jose Manuel Lozano?
The man accused of child sexual abuse crimes is 54-year-old Hesperia resident Jose Manuel Lozano. Lozano was involved in the Zion Assembly Church of God Hesperia where he led bilingual services. The church is an affiliate of the Zion Assembly Church of God International, which has headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee. Lozano was removed from the office on March 15 as soon as the abuse allegations were known.
What is the Zion Assembly Church of God?
The Zion Assembly Church of God is an international religious organization. According to their website, the church has an “internal disposition to cultivate mutual love and care among themselves the graces of love and holiness”. They are a group of believers who accept and obey the teachings of Christ. The Hesperia ministry has been renting campus space from Sovereign Way Christian Church but is not affiliated with that church.
Shocked Reaction to the Jose Manuel Lozano Allegations
Many people have expressed shock at the allegations of sexual abuse against Lozano. A representative from the Zion Assembly Church of God condemned the behavior. The church has replaced Lozano with an interim pastor. Pastors at nearby churches were dismayed at the news of Lozano’s arrest. One pastor of a different church said that the arrest is a reminder that we have to protect our children and stated we must do our due diligence to protect children. Another pastor expressed sadness and concern for the young people of the community.
Are There More Victims?
The sexual abuse charges against Lozano stem from abuse that occurred against two foster children who were under his care. The community wonders whether there could be additional young victims. As a church pastor, Lozano likely had contact with numerous youngsters during his tenure with the church. More investigation needs to be done to determine whether there may be others who were abused by Lozano. It is important to note that there are security cameras located in many of the rooms of the church facility.
Report Child Sexual Abuse
Law enforcement officials are asking the public for help. If anyone knows anything about sexual abuse allegations or was abused by Jose Manuel Lozano or by anyone else, they should come forward. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Zavala is handling the investigation and will take your information through the Hesperia police station. You may also provide an anonymous tip to 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).
Child sexual abuse is a serious crime. Victims of abuse may be owed money for their damages from the abuser as well as from the organization if they were negligent. To learn more about how to file a lawsuit, call our knowledgeable California child sexual abuse lawyer today at Beck Law at (707) 576-7175 for a confidential consultation.
