California detectives have arrested a minister and registered sex offender who started his own church on a charge of soliciting committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Sex Crimes Unit said 64-year-old Bernardino Villalobos of Del Rey was arrested after they received information that Villalobos had sexually abused a child in 2017. His bail is set at $40,000.
Villalobos is a registered sex offender who served time in prison after being convicted of rape and sodomy.
He is the owner and head pastor at La Obra De Jesus Christian Church at 5433 S. Academy Ave. in Del Rey, and detectives said they are concerned there may be more victims because of his position at the church.
It is unclear when Villalobos started the church.
Other alleged victims or people with information that would help with the investigation are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (559) 600-8222 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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