Ruven Meulenberg
LAKE FOREST — On Thursday May 25, 32-year-old Ruven Meulenberg was arrested by the OCSD Special Victim’s Detail based on suspicion of inappropriate relationships with at least two individuals.
The suspect worked as a junior high youth mentor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. The two victims were identified as 14-year-old boys.
The illegal activity apparently had been occurring over the past year as Meulenberg worked as a volunteer at the church.
Some of the alleged incidents occurred on church property.
Meulenberg was charged with suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child and his bail was set at $100,000.
The OCSD released this statement — “Meulenberg volunteered at the church for approximately six years. Based on the allegations, the suspect’s leadership role and access to children, investigators believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information regarding additional victims is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victim’s Detail at (714) 647-7418 or (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.“
