A retired pastor from Orange County has been sentenced to 186 years to life in prison for sexually abusing two young girls who are related to him. Jose Andres Lopez, 70, was found guilty on March 22 of 18 felony sexual assault charges dating back to 1991. Although Lopez is a former pastor, this information was not considered relevant during the trial. The victims testified and provided evidence against Lopez.
During the trial, Lopez claimed that the victims were not telling the truth about him, but Judge Gary Paer reminded him that they were thoroughly questioned by both sides and the jury believed them. The judge emphasized that their testimony was not hearsay, but evidence.
Deputy District Attorney Tara Meath stated that there were multiple layers of evidence supporting the case, aside from the victims’ testimony. Meath described Lopez’s arguments as “outrageous” in light of his conviction for years of sexual abuse.
Judge Paer described Lopez as someone who violated a position of trust and demonstrated planning and sophistication in his attacks. Paer referred to Lopez’s role as a religious leader and his relationship with the victims, stating that he wore a mask of a relative and a pastor while concealing his dangerous nature.
Lopez was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and the judge emphasized that he had forfeited his freedom through his criminal acts.
The details of one victim’s testimony revealed that Lopez sexually assaulted her when she was 13, but the abuse began when she was only 3 years old. The victim’s brother also witnessed disturbing incidents and felt uncomfortable. Investigators uncovered further evidence through a search warrant, as well as a previous police report from Massachusetts implicating Lopez in molestation.
Lopez had volunteered as a pastor at Pacific Hills Calvary Chapel in Aliso Viejo from 2003 to 2005 and at Compass Bible Church in Aliso Viejo from 2012 to 2019.
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