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Prosecutors in Yakima County, WA have charged a local pastor with sexually assaulting a woman he knows. Abner Vazquez, the 54-year-old pastor at El Gran Rey Jesus church, located at 327 E Edison Ave, Sunnyside, WA 98944, has been slapped with a single count of third-degree assault and two counts of taking indecent liberties, all of which are felony charges, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Vazquez has been released on a $10,000 bail and continues to preach at his church. When contacted by phone on Tuesday, the pastor proclaimed his innocence, stating, "I'm not guilty." He declined to comment further, referring all questions to his attorney, Ulvar Klein.
The charges stem from a series of incidents reported to the Sunnyside police by the alleged victim. According to the probable cause affidavit, the woman claimed that Vazquez had made sexual advances towards her on multiple occasions, starting on April 4th when he allegedly grabbed her wrists, pushed her onto a bed, and groped her thigh. She believes that Vazquez would have raped her had his wife, who was in the room, not intervened.
The alleged victim further stated that on April 8, 2024, Vazquez pushed his groin against her buttocks while she was at his house, and on April 9th, he grabbed her by the wrists, forcefully kissed her on the neck and face, and grabbed her breast. She also told detectives that she had witnessed Vazquez grabbing and attempting to kiss two other women.
Vazquez was taken into custody on April 10th and released two days later on the $10,000 bail. As part of his release conditions, the Yakima County Superior Court Judge Sonia Rodriguez True ordered Vazquez to stay at least 1,000 feet away from the alleged victim.
This case has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the alleged abuse of power and trust within the church. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the charges will be addressed and what the ultimate outcome will be.
In the wake of the disturbing allegations against Sunnyside pastor Abner Vazquez, our team sat down with experienced child Washington sexual abuse lawyer Mike Pfau to discuss the legal recourse available for victims of sexual abuse by religious leaders. Pfau provided valuable insights into the rights and options that victims can explore, including pursuing civil lawsuits against the perpetrator and the organization that employed them.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Pfau. As a seasoned lawyer specializing in cases of sexual abuse, what legal recourse do victims have when the perpetrator is a pastor, like in the case of Abner Vazquez?
Attorney Mike Pfau: This is a complex and sensitive case, but victims of sexual abuse by a pastor have several legal options available to them. First and foremost, they have the right to report the abuse to the authorities, as the alleged victim in this case has done. The criminal charges against Vazquez are a direct result of her bravery in coming forward.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, victims may also have grounds for a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator, as well as the church or religious organization that employed him. Religious institutions have a duty to protect their congregants, and if they failed to do so in cases of known abuse, they can be held liable.
DM: Can you elaborate on the potential for civil lawsuits against the church or religious organization in cases like this?
MP: Absolutely. Churches and other religious organizations have a responsibility to vet their employees, provide appropriate training and supervision, and take swift action to address any allegations of misconduct. If they fail to do so, and a person is subsequently abused, the organization can be held accountable.
In this case, the church may be liable if they were aware of Vazquez's previous actions or if there were any red flags that were ignored. Victims may be able to seek damages for the emotional and psychological harm they've suffered, as well as any medical expenses or lost wages. The goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable and provide the victims with the resources they need to heal and move forward.
DM: That's a very important point. What advice would you give to victims who are considering taking legal action in a case like this?
MP: The most important thing is for victims to know that they have rights and that there are people and organizations ready to support them. I would encourage the victim in this case, and any others who have suffered abuse at the hands of a pastor or religious leader, to reach out to a qualified attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases.
As this case and others like it have shown, victims of sexual abuse by a pastor or religious figure have a path to justice and accountability. However, navigating the legal system can be daunting, which is why it's crucial for victims and their families to seek the guidance of experienced attorneys who specialize in these types of cases.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse by a pastor or religious leader, we encourage you to reach out to our firm for a free, confidential consultation. Our team of dedicated lawyers is here to listen, provide support, and fight to ensure your rights are protected and that the responsible parties are held accountable. Take the first step towards justice and healing - contact us today.
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