United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Ricky J. Patel; and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Harry T. Chavis, Jr., have announced the unsealing of an Indictment that charges six individuals with sexual, financial, and related criminal conduct against members of the La Luz del Mundo (LLDM) Church over many years.
The defendants named in the indictment include NAASÓN JOAQUÍN GARCÍA, ROSA SOSA, AZALIA RANGEL GARCÍA, EVA GARCÍA DE JOAQUÍN, JORAM NÚÑEZ JOAQUÍN, and SILEM GARCÍA PEÑA. According to the allegations, these individuals participated in a racketeering enterprise known as the Joaquín LLDM Enterprise, which exploited the LLDM Church to facilitate systemic sexual abuse of children and women. This disturbing pattern of abuse reportedly persisted for decades, leading to the creation of photos and videos depicting sadistic child sexual abuse.
NAASÓN was taken into federal custody today in Chino, California, where he is currently serving a state sentence for the sexual abuse of minors. Meanwhile, GARCÍA DE JOAQUÍN was arrested in Los Angeles, and NÚÑEZ JOAQUÍN was apprehended outside of Chicago. The other defendants—SOSA, RANGEL GARCÍA, and GARCÍA PEÑA—are currently at large and believed to be in Mexico. The U.S. government is actively pursuing their arrest and extradition to face these serious charges in the United States.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commented, “As alleged in the Indictment, for decades, NAASÓN JOAQUÍN GARCÍA and the other members of the Joaquín LLDM Enterprise exploited their positions within the LLDM Church to perpetrate heinous acts of sexual abuse against girls, boys, and women. They leveraged their religious influence to intimidate victims into silence.” He emphasized the importance of the victims who have come forward, declaring that this office will hold the defendants accountable for their alleged crimes.
Ricky J. Patel of HSI highlighted the extensive investigation that led to these charges, stating, “The defendants are accused of targeting individuals who placed unwavering trust in the LLDM Church, subjecting them to unimaginable crimes. The cycle of victimization ends today.” He encouraged other potential victims to come forward with information.
Harry T. Chavis, Jr. from IRS-CI added, “Behind the facade of a legitimate church, NAASÓN and his co-conspirators allegedly built a criminal empire on the sexual abuse of women and children. This investigation aims to bring the truth to light, exposing the dark underbelly of their operations.”
The indictment outlines a disturbing history of abuse that spanned decades across the United States, Mexico, and globally. The defendants allegedly exploited their positions within the LLDM Church to threaten, coerce, and sexually abuse church members. This included a range of illegal activities, from sex trafficking and the production of child pornography to financial crimes and obstructing justice.
NAASÓN, as the leader of the enterprise, directed a close circle of co-conspirators who facilitated his abuse. The indictment details how co-conspirators produced sexually explicit images and videos of minors at NAASÓN's request, contributing to a culture of secrecy and fear among victims. The manipulation of LLDM Church doctrine further entrenched this abuse, as victims were taught from a young age to obey NAASÓN without question.
The abuse within the Joaquín LLDM Enterprise follows a troubling legacy initiated by NAASÓN's father, Samuel Joaquín Flores, and grandfather, Eusebio Joaquín González, who founded the church in approximately 1926. Each successive leader of the Joaquín family has allegedly exploited their power for sexual abuse, creating a cycle that has persisted for generations. Victims were often misled into believing that they could gain blessings through service, which frequently led to sexual exploitation.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone who has been victimized or has information regarding these alleged crimes to come forward. Individuals can contact the U.S. Attorney's Office at 212-637-1033 or email USANYS.LLDM@usdoj.gov for assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit, with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison, Lisa Daniels, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, and Michael R. Herman. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Mr. Clayton applauded the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including HSI, IRS-CI, and various local police departments, emphasizing the importance of their combined work in addressing the heinous acts committed under the guise of a religious institution.
