Pastor and Son Arrested on Charges of Child Molestation

Los Angeles: A Sunland pastor was taken into custody for molesting a parishioner's three daughters.

On September 14, 2006, at 10 p.m., detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU) arrested 46-year-old Joseph Gary Torres at his parent's residence in El Monte.  He was arrested for violating Penal Code § 288.5 (A), Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

The investigation began earlier in the day when a father called to report an allegation that Torres, the pastor at Iglesia Bautista Reformada, had sexually assaulted his daughters.  After interviewing the victims, the SECU detectives traced Torres to the El Monte residence.

Torres remains in custody pending a review and filing by the District Attorney's Office.  His bail has been set at $5.4 million.

Because of the nature of the allegations against Torres, investigators believe there may be more victims. 

On September 15, 2006, detectives arrested Torres' son, a minor, for molestation allegations.  The minor was released to the custody of his mother.  The matter will be submitted to the Juvenile Court. 

Anyone having any information regarding Torres is encouraged to contact the Sexually Exploited Child Unit at 213-485-2883.  On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, (1-877-529-3855).

The identities of all callers will remain anonymous. 

Comments

[Dave]

The church in question, until very recently, shared a large complex of buildings with another Protestant church and also a large daycare center. Hence, this individual would have easy access to many, many children of all ages. I hope the detectives investigating this case can go to the church's former address and ascertain if any children there were harmed. (The former address of this church is two blocks from my house; hence, the reason I know about this.)

Although trendy 213ers and 310ers might think of Sunland as "dull," it's a very quiet, safe community with one of the lowest crime rates in LA city. So that makes this arrest is all the more troubling.

[msilis]

The fact both father and son were arrested on the same charges within a day of each other is an absolute outrage!
This is what I don't understand. Why is it that the son of this sick pervert was released to the custody of his mother when he committed the same felony acts as his father? Why wasn't he taken to Los Padrinos? He should also be in custody; not freed to continue molesting little girls. I have seen minors transported to LP for charges not near as grave as these. This kid is a deviant like his father and should not be free.

[informer]

I'm sure this doesn't console many, but I heard the church in question immediately moved and ex-communicated this man and his adultress from the church. Everyone in the church is helping to make sure this pscho never sees a free day in his life again for the lives he has ruined. It's sad, but at least it's being dealt with instead of hidden.

[informer]

The Reformed Baptists have had their share of scandals in recent years. This one takes the prize though.

I wonder if Mr. Torres has been a guest in any unsuspecting homes as he has travelled around during preaching engagements, conferences and the like.

[Henry]

I once had the unfortunate experience of working within 15 feet of Mr. Torres for a number of years at a company in Burbank. This was at the beginning of his Pastoral career. While fighting bigamy charges and having restraining orders for stalking, he was granted US Citizenship. I am very sorry for any victims of his behavior of late but there can not be much shock on the part of those who knew him well.

[Henry Moore]

Hello there,
I was the last person to post a comment about this situation. The Church Website has closed down with no contact information. How can I follow any developments about this case?

Thanks

Henry

[Rochester]

I too am looking for more info.