UPDATE: A Southern California pastor has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison for the sexual assault of three young girls, a shocking case that has sent waves of outrage through the community. Carlos Ramirez Valdez, 61, from Riverside, was convicted in August 2025 for crimes committed between 2012 and 2019 while he held positions at local churches.
Valdez was a leader at Iglesia De Dios Ebenezer Church in Santa Ana from 2014 to 2017 and was arrested in 2021 while serving as a pastor at International Mission Church USA. Prosecutors revealed that one victim, starting at just 4 years old, was assaulted for seven years. Valdez lured her into the church’s basement and a van parked on the premises, where the horrific acts took place. She ultimately reported the abuse to a school counselor, leading to the investigation.
Authorities identified two additional victims following this report. One girl, who was only 9 at the time, reported that Valdez molested her after giving her a ride home from church between 2014 and 2015. Another victim disclosed that Valdez repeatedly assaulted her in a backyard shed over an eight-month period when she was 7 and 8 years old.
In total, Valdez was convicted on 11 felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, along with three felony counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child aged 10 or younger. On October 24, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing.
Todd Spitzer, the Orange County District Attorney, condemned the actions, stating, “Churches should be safe sanctuaries, not hunting grounds for child molesters. These young girls were subjected to unimaginable abuse by someone in a position of trust.” He reaffirmed that the sexual exploitation of children is intolerable, vowing that predators will face the full force of the law.
The community is reeling from this case as it highlights a critical issue of safety within places of worship. As parents and guardians seek to protect their children, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required in every aspect of child safety.
Next Steps: With the sentencing now confirmed, many are calling for further investigations into other potential cases of abuse within religious institutions. The impact of this case continues to resonate, pushing for stricter safeguards and accountability measures to protect vulnerable children in all communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue to address the systemic issues surrounding child safety in religious settings.
