Former Pastor Suspected of Molesting Underage Girl for Past 10 Years, Arrested
Photo: Jose Andres Lopez
A former volunteer pastor has been arrested in San Juan Capistrano on suspicion of committing multiple counts of felony child molestation for at least a decade.
The suspect, 67-year-old Jose Andres Lopez of Mission Viejo, had served at two churches in Aliso Viejo over the past 17 years. He was a volunteer pastor at Pacific Hills Calvary Chapel between 2003 and 2005, and he helped with maintenance and trash pickup at Compass Bible Church in between 2012 and 2020.
On August 23, 2020, the female victim reported the sexual abuse to Orange County Sheriff’s investigators. “Lopez was known to the female victim, who was under the age of 10 when the molestation began,” according to the release.
Another victim has also come forward and reported that Lopez frequently brought children back to his home after church events.
Lopez was arrested by Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail Investigators on August 26th.
“Due to Lopez having continued access and contact with children over the past 17 years and his role with the church, investigators believe there may [be] additional victims,” states the release.
Anyone with information on this suspect is asked to contact the Special Victims Detail at (714) 647-7419. Anonymous tips can be communicated by contacting Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
