UPDATE: A Southern California pastor has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three young girls he met at church. Carlos Ramirez Valdez, 61, from Riverside, was convicted in August 2025 for crimes committed between 2012 and 2019, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
This alarming case highlights the abuse of trust within religious institutions. Valdez served as a church leader at Iglesia De Dios Ebenezer Church in Santa Ana from 2014 to 2017 and was a pastor at International Mission Church USA at the time of his arrest in 2021.
The horrific details of the assaults reveal that one victim, starting at just 4 years old, was abused over a seven-year span. Valdez would lure her into the church basement or a parked van, where the abuse occurred. The abuse came to light when the girl bravely reported it to a school counselor.
In January 2020, two additional victims were identified. One girl, who was just 9 years old at the time, disclosed to Garden Grove police that Valdez molested her after giving her a ride home from church between 2014 and 2015. Another victim told Riverside police that Valdez repeatedly assaulted her in a backyard shed over eight months when she was aged 7 and 8.
In total, Valdez was convicted on 11 felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 and three felony counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child aged 10 or younger. On October 24, 2025, the DA’s office confirmed his sentencing.
“Churches should be safe sanctuaries, not hunting grounds for child molesters,” stated Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. He emphasized that these young girls endured unimaginable abuse from someone who held a position of trust.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing issue of child exploitation and the urgent need for vigilance in safeguarding children. Authorities vow to continue pursuing justice against predators in all communities.
As more details emerge, community members are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior. The prosecution of those who exploit children will remain a priority as officials work to ensure safety in places that should be trusted.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
