UPDATE: A jury in Morgan Hill has just acquitted Brett Bymaster, a former youth pastor from San Jose, of 10 felony sexual abuse charges, delivering a unanimous not guilty verdict after intense deliberations. The trial concluded in a Santa Clara County courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in a case that has captivated the community.
During the trial, jurors revealed they were initially split 11-to-1 on nine counts before reaching a consensus, according to reports from The Mercury News. Prosecutors, led by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter, argued the case stemming from an investigation launched by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force.
Bymaster’s arrest in April 2024 followed internal church reviews and community complaints, highlighting growing concerns about safety in youth programs. The case has sparked wider discussions about oversight within local faith communities, making this verdict especially impactful.
“The state did not meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” stated one juror following the verdict.
Defending attorney Dana Fite argued that the allegations were fabricated by a small faction within the church, claiming they sought to pressure the congregation for a settlement estimated at $2.1 million. This claim raised eyebrows and added a layer of complexity to the case, particularly as the church had set aside funds anticipating a possible civil lawsuit.
Following the verdict, the River Church Community acknowledged issues with its earlier reviews and committed to working with a third-party investigator to address congregational concerns. Community leaders have emphasized the need for increased safety measures in youth programs to prevent future incidents.
Legally, Bymaster’s acquittal means the state cannot retry him on these charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, civil lawsuits could still emerge, using a lower standard of proof. This aspect of the case remains unresolved and could unfold in the coming weeks or months.
As this chapter closes for Bymaster, the community continues to call for transparency and stronger safeguards in youth programming. The impact of this case will likely resonate beyond the courtroom, prompting ongoing discussions about accountability and safety in local faith environments.
Stay tuned for updates as further developments unfold in this significant case.
