Pastor Accused of Raping Women Called ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’
An associate pastor charged with raping at least 20 members of his Norwalk church was described by congregants as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” who was “likea magnet to women.”
Jorge Juan Castro, 54, targeted female members of Nuevas Buenas Church who were undocumented immigrants and only spoke Spanish, assaulting them at the church or during home visits, authorities said Thursday.
He was arrested and charged last week in connection with the alleged crimes, which Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said date back to his arrival in Los Angeles from Argentina in 2004.
Castro allegedly told the women the sex acts were part of a faith-healing process, authorities said.
“He claimed to have healing hands and ulitized that process to eventually sexually assault them,” L.A. County sheriff’s Capt. Robert Esson said. “He preyed upon them from a trust position. He warned them they’d be the subject of ridicule in the church if they told others.”
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