Prosecutors said he used his spiritual influence to have sex with several female followers and was aided by others in the church who facilitated the abuse.
Church youth group leader Alondra Ocampo, who previously pleaded guilty to abusing the girls, was charged with directing teenage girls in skimpy outfits to perform “flirty” dances for Garcia. She also conducted nude photo shoots for Garcia in which the girls touched each other, according to the charges.Article content
Garcia had been scheduled to go on trial Monday on 19 counts that also included allegations of human trafficking to produce child pornography. A judge had thrown out four counts of extortion and sentencing enhancements for great bodily injury for lack of evidence.Article content Defense lawyers had said prosecutors were operating under a far-fetched legal theory that Garcia used spiritual coercion for sexual pleasure.
But prosecutors said the victims were essentially brainwashed by Garcia and felt they would be ostracized by the insular church community if they didn’t submit to his desires. In denying a defense motion to dismiss the case, a judge said Garcia used religion as “invisible handcuffs” to exploit his victims.Article content