The leader of a Mexican megachurch convicted of sexual abuse and child molestation addressed his fiercely loyal congregation from prison by phone.
Naason Joaquin Garcia, 53, leader of the La Luz del Mundo megachurch, is considered by his five million followers to be an"apostle" to Jesus Christ despite the accusations against him, according to the Associated Press. He was arrested in California in 2019 under suspicion of over 20 counts of child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and child pornography, though most charges were dropped when Garcia accepted a plea deal for decreased time. Facing 16 years in a U.S.
Thousands of his followers gathered in the main temple in Guadalajara to hear his newest address, with throngs of worshipers extending out to the street to hear him. Many were reported to have broken into tears upon hearing his voice. The church members maintain his innocence. The church maintains that Garcia is innocent and only had to take a plea deal for a lesser sentence because evidence against him was doctored by the corrupt legal system.