Last Updated: 7/13/2020
The pastor and founder of the Centro Familiar Cristiano Peniel church in Anaheim has been charged with several sex crimes involving three victims – two of whom were minors at the time of the alleged sexual assaults.
53-year-old Rolando Fuentes is charged with rape, lewd acts on a minor, and other related offenses. The alleged crimes are believed to have occurred over the past two years.
According to authorities, Centro Familiar Cristiano Peniel was founded by Fuentes approximately two years ago and he was trusted by church members who are mostly of Guatemalan descent.
Police started investigating Fuentes in November 2019 when a woman reported that he had sexually assaulted her. During this investigation, police discovered two more victims – a minor and a woman who said she’d been victimized as both a minor and an adult.
Detectives fear there could be more victims and have asked anyone with related information to call 714-765-1697.
Attorney contributor Jason Amala is a sexual abuse attorney who represents victims and their families directly in civil lawsuits against sexual predators and negligent third parties. Bobby has offered to share some of his knowledge regarding the legal rights of church sex abuse victims and their families:
“Sexual abusers often hold respected roles within their communities, such as pastors and other leaders within the churches. Tragically, sexual harassment is a major problem that impacts a wide range of religious groups. When a pastor is accused of sexual abuse, it is important that the victims be aware of their civil rights” stated Mr. Amala.
https://www.foxla.com/news/anaheim-pastor-arrested-on-multiple-sex-related-charges