| For Immediate Release Case # 12NM11481 January 16, 2014 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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PASTOR FACES TRIAL FOR SEXUAL BATTERY OF 18-YEAR-OLD FEMALE CHURCH MEMBER
FULLERTON – A pastor is scheduled to face trial today for sexual battery of an 18-year-old female church member. Joseph Angel Olvera, 55, Fullerton, is charged with two misdemeanor counts each of sexual battery and battery. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in jail, $4,000 in fines, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Opening statements are expected to begin this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in Department N-11, North Justice Center, Fullerton.
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on Aug. 22, 2012, Olvera was working as a pastor at Lifeline Ministries in Fullerton which offers services to at-risk youth and other members of the community in need. The defendant is accused of approaching the bed of 18-year-old Jane Doe, who was living in the church, and waking her up under the pretense of getting ready for work.
The defendant is accused of touching the victim’s hand and arm and beginning to rub her back and neck. The defendant is accused of putting his hand down the shirt of Jane Doe and touching the victim’s breast underneath her bra.
On Aug. 25, 2012, the defendant is accused of walking towards Jane Doe as she was waiting in the hallway of the church for a friend. The defendant is accused of slapping the victim’s buttocks as he walked past her and wishing her to have a good day at work.
Jane Doe reported the case to Fullerton Police Department (FPD), who investigated.
If convicted, Olvera’s lifetime sex offender registration would bar him from entering County recreational areas and City parks which have passed the Sex Offender Ordinance. Visit www.orangecountyda.com to read the prior press releases on the County’s Sex Offender Ordinance as well as the 14 other cities that have enacted the Child Safety Zone Ordinance.
Deputy District Attorney Ed Grubaugh is prosecuting this case.