Alexandria, Virginia - Seventh-Day Adventist Church Youth Group Director Juan Fernando Miranda Accused of Child Sex Abuse

Youth Group Director Juan Fernando Miranda Charged with Indecent Liberties by a Custodian

A youth group director for the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Juan Fernando Miranda faces two counts of indecent liberties by a custodian and is being held without bond in the Prince William County jail.

Detectives with the Prince William County police’s Special Victims Unit and the Fairfax County Police Department began investigating allegations of sexual assault against Miranda in October 2019. He is accused of sexually assaulting a minor in the Manassas area in August 2018.

Investigators determined that a 17-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by Miranda on multiple occasions. The alleged sexual assaults happened at a hotel in the Manassas area. The victim recently reported these allegations to the police.

Miranda was a pathfinder for the church, which is a title for those who work with children ages 10 and older in the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Legal Options For Church Sex Abuse Victims and Their Families

Attorney contributor Kevin Biniazin is a former sex crimes prosecutor and experienced lawyer for sexual abuse at church who represents victims and their families in civil lawsuits. Here is Kevin to add some information on the legal rights of those who have been sexually abused in religious organizations:

Child predators are often in positions of trust that involve working with children, including as leaders in churches and other religious organizations. There have been widespread reports of church clergy members abusing followers in several different religions and denominations.

Our churches must stay aware of the threat that these predators pose to their congregations and must do everything to keep their followers safe from becoming victims of sexual abuse. Some cases of sexual abuse within religious organizations only happen because of negligence by the organization – such as ignoring previous complaints of inappropriate behavior by a clergy member later charged with sexual offenses.

If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual abuse by a religious clergy member, you can learn more about your legal rights in a free consultation with one of our experienced sex abuse victims lawyers.

Sources:

https://patch.com/virginia/manassas/youth-group-director-arrested-sexual-assault-police