BREAKING: A jury in Morgan Hill, California, has acquitted Brett Bymaster, a former youth pastor, of all 10 felony sexual abuse counts following a tense trial that concluded on Wednesday. The jury’s unanimous verdict marks a significant moment in a case that has captured public attention and raised critical questions about safety in youth programs.
The decision was reached after lengthy deliberations in a Santa Clara County courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott. Initial reports indicate that jurors were divided 11-to-1 on nine of the charges before ultimately agreeing on not guilty verdicts for every count, according to The Mercury News.
This criminal case stemmed from investigations initiated by a San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force in April 2024, following internal church reviews and public complaints about Bymaster’s conduct during his time in ministry. Prosecutors initially filed six felony charges, which grew to ten as more details emerged.
Bymaster consistently maintained his innocence throughout the trial. His defense team, led by attorneys Dana Fite and Renee Hessling, argued that the allegations were fabricated by a small faction within the church, alleging a motive tied to a settlement demand of approximately $2.1 million. They claimed that influential church families were pressuring the congregation, a narrative that fueled the trial’s intensity.
“The state did not meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” jurors indicated, highlighting the challenges faced in prosecuting such sensitive cases.
The fallout from this case extends beyond the courtroom. The River Church Community, where Bymaster served, had previously initiated internal reviews following earlier complaints. Community leaders and congregation members have since called for enhanced safety measures and transparency in youth programs, reflecting broader concerns about oversight in local faith-based organizations.
With the acquittal, Bymaster cannot be retried on these charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, civil lawsuits remain a possibility, as they would operate under a lower standard of proof. Legal experts note that such actions could emerge as the church’s third-party review continues and community demands for accountability persist.
The jury’s decision effectively closes the criminal chapter for Bymaster, but it leaves open questions regarding the future of youth ministry safety in the area. Local advocates are urging for immediate reforms to protect young individuals in faith communities across the South Bay.
As this story develops, further civil filings or related documents are expected to surface, maintaining public interest in the ongoing ramifications of this high-profile case.
