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Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez, a youth leader at Iglesias de Restauracion in Santa Ana, California stands accused of sexually assaulting two church girls. CBS-Los Angeles reports:
One of the alleged victims is 11-years-old, police said.
Authorities said Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez, 22, texted the victim and ordered the girl into a second-floor church bathroom where he sexually assaulted her during church services in March.
He is accused of also sexually assaulting a 14-year-old, also a member of the church.
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Perez has been with the church for about three years.
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Officials said Hernandez Perez is also a youth leader and a member of the church music group.
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The alleged assault in the bathroom was “extremely disturbing,” says Sgt. Anthony Bertagna.
“Apparently, there are multiple levels to this church,” he said, “and one day a week the men and the women are supposedly separated and he took advantage of that.”
One woman familiar with the church said, “He looks familiar. There’s always a big group here with a lot of kids. And they always do food events, which they give food to people who come here, to the church. And I just hope there are no more victims. I’m praying for the little girl, that she can move on.”
Sex crimes detectives say the 14-year-old alleged victim told them she was assaulted last month during a youth service at Hernandez Perez’ Anaheim home.
