Southern California Pastor Sentenced to 45 Years for Abuse

URGENT UPDATE: A former Southern California pastor, Carlos Ramirez Valdez, has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison for the sexual assault of three young girls he met at church. This shocking verdict was confirmed on October 24, 2025, following his conviction in August 2025 for heinous crimes that spanned from 2012 to 2019.

Valdez, 61, who served as a leader at Iglesia De Dios Ebenezer Church in Santa Ana from 2014 to 2017, exploited his position of trust to carry out these despicable acts. He was arrested in 2021 while leading the International Mission Church USA. Prosecutors revealed that one of the victims, starting at just four years old, endured a seven-year ordeal of abuse, often lured into the church’s basement or his parked van.

The abuse continued as Valdez targeted additional victims. One girl, aged nine at the time, reported being molested after receiving rides home from church between 2014 and 2015. Another victim, aged seven and eight, was repeatedly assaulted in a backyard shed during an eight-month period in 2017.

Convicted on 11 felony counts related to lewd acts with minors under 14 and three felony counts of sexual penetration of a child 10 or younger, Valdez’s case has sent shockwaves through the community.

“Churches should be safe sanctuaries, not hunting grounds for child molesters,”

stated Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. He emphasized that the sexual exploitation of children is unacceptable and vowed that predators like Valdez will face the full force of the law.

This case highlights the urgent need for vigilance in protecting children from abuse, particularly in places of religious worship. The profound impact on the victims and their families cannot be overstated. As this story continues to develop, authorities urge anyone with additional information or similar experiences to come forward.

Watch for further updates as the legal proceedings unfold and community responses to this tragic situation emerge. The safety of our children depends on our collective action and awareness.