Jonathan Lamont Jenkins, a Riverside resident and a youth pastor at the Starlight Baptist Church was arrested and booked on multiple child abuse charges and aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to Santa Ana Police, the 13 year old victim was attending a church service in March when she entered a bathroom, encountered Jenkins, who then threatened her with physical violence before choking and sexually assaulting her. The victim reported that Jenkins was making advances towards her since January when she was just 12 years old. In additon, the victim stated that Jenkins mocked her following the assault in August, telling the girl he would tell the police she allowed the assault to occur if she reported it.
Detectives launched an investigation and arrested Jenkins as he entered a liquor store in Santa Ana. He was booked at Orange County Jail and his bail was set at $1,000,000. The detectives from the Santa Ana police department believe there may be additional victims. For more information regarding sex crimes in general, click here.