Detectives arrested a Salem pastor Wednesday and charged him with sex crimes after a week-long investigation.
Mauricio Aguilera-Garcia, 55, is a Pastor at the “Our Father’s House” church in Salem. (Our Father’s House reportedly rents space from Solid Rock Community Church at 3535 Ward Drive NE.)
Detectives told media that Garcia-Augilera had previously been convicted of first-degree sex abuse in 1985.
There is no information yet about how Garcia-Augilera managed to be hired as a pastor despite his previous sex abuse convictions, or whether the church was aware of the prior conviction.
(Media reports indicate that Garcia-Augilera is not currently listed as a sex offender.)
Garcia-Augilera is charged with 10 counts each of second-degree rape, second degree sodomy and unlawful sexual penetration, according to media reports.
Police officers told media that they believe there likely more victims in the community.
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