Naasón Joaquín García


Naasón Merarí Joaquín García is the third leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, succeeding his father, Samuel Joaquín Flores, in December 2014.

Early life

Joaquín García was born on May 7, 1969 in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, the fifth of seven children to Samuel Joaquín Flores and Eva García.

Career

Before becoming the head of the La Luz del Mundo at 45, he was a minister for the group in Santa Ana, California.

Arrest and legal proceedings

On June 3, 2019, Joaquín García was arrested and charged by prosecutors from Los Angeles County with sexual abuse charges involving minors., he was still being held without bail pending trial. According to Religion News Service, "Church members have maintained his innocence."
On April 7, 2020, a California appeals court ruled that the charges against Joaquín García should be dismissed because delays in scheduling his preliminary hearing had constituted a violation of his right to a speedy trial. The state Attorney General's office issued this statement: "To be clear the case is still pending. The appellate decision is not final for 30 days from when it was issued and the defendant is still in custody."

Personal life

He is married to Alma Zamora and they have three children.