Controversy
Pastor Geronimo Aguilar is currently facing charges of aggravated sexual assault in Fort Worth, Texas. The charges stem from the early nineties when Pastor G allegedly had sex with two girls under the age of fourteen. A total of four woman have come forward recently claiming inappropriate relationships with the pastor. The sexual improprieties are not the only charges facing the Pastor and his church. Many are now coming forward claiming that threats have been made against them and their families, mental abuse, and an overall cult like environment at the Richmond church. Pastor G was taken into custody by federal marshals on May 21, 2013. Pastor G stepped down as the ROC's head pastor, on May 23, 2013, pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings in Ft. Worth, Texas. The proceedings will begin May 24, 2013.
A second pastor at the ROC is also in trouble with the law and has stepped down from the church. ROC executive pastor and former Henrico County Police officer Jason Helmlinger was charged and arrested for making threats against an 8News source in their on-going investigation. Helmlinger is charged with making a threatening and obscene phone call to Pastor Allen Caldwell after Caldwell gave 8News an interview. Caldwell told 8News reporter Kerri O'Brien he left the ROC after witnessing alleged inappropriate behavior between Pastor G and some church wives. Caldwell says soon after his interview, Helmlinger called him and yelled profanities and threatened to do bodily harm to Caldwell, who called police to report the incident. Helmlinger's charge is a misdemeanor. Monday, The ROC announced Helmlinger had voluntarily removed himself from his pastoral duties and is seeking counseling. The board's full statement can be read on the ROC's website.
Read more about this topic: Richmond Outreach Center
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