Megachurch Pastor Accused of Paying for Sexual Assault Victim’s Abortion
Virginia’s Richmond Outreach Center (ROC) got a new pastor about a year ago after a sex scandal sent its old one packing. Geronimo Aguilar, founder of the megachurch ROC, stepped down after being charged with aggravated sexual assault in the summer of 2013.
He is facing eight charges in Fort Worth, Texas, in two cases of sexual assault against two sisters under the age of 14. The alleged assaults—which were said to have taken place before Aguilar founded ROC in 2001—date back to 1996. Four of the felonies he faces carry potential life sentences.
“No, absolutely not, absolutely not,” Aguilar replied when CBS-6 reporter Sandra Jones asked if he committed the crimes of which he is accused. “There’s obviously going to be some people that judge you from the 30 minutes they see you on television or what they hear in the news. But the people that really matter—the people that I want to love me—love me and believe the best, and those are the ones I focus on.”
Now, new details are emerging in the case against Aguilar. Specifically, more accusations of sex with parishioners, abortions and sexually transmitted diseases have surfaced, according to ABC News.
Court documents ABC obtained reveal Aguilar is accused of another sexual assault on a child, which resulted in the girl becoming pregnant at age 15.
The former megachurch pastor said he was “very surprised” when the alleged victims, who are now adults, made the accusations, which he called “extremely hurtful.” He’ll stand trial in June.
