MEXICO · US COURTS
Published Wednesday, 28 October, 5:16 p.m. ET · Source: US District Court for the Southern District of New York, US Department of Justice, La Luz del Mundo statement
Key Facts
- —Ruling Judge Loretta Preska did not grant pretrial motions by Naason Joaquin Garcia, his mother Eva Garcia de Joaquin, and nephew Joram Nunez Joaquin on October 27, 2026.
- —Trial date Jury selection remains scheduled for March 29, 2027, in Manhattan federal court.
- —Charges Federal prosecutors accuse the defendants of organized crime, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, and financial crimes.
- —Detention Naason Joaquin Garcia remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Pretrial Motions Rejected
U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska held a nearly two-hour oral hearing on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in federal court in Manhattan. She did not grant defense motions seeking to dismiss the case, challenge jurisdiction, and move proceedings to California.
The ruling allows federal prosecutors to continue preparing the case against Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of the La Luz del Mundo church, his mother Eva Garcia de Joaquin, and his nephew Joram Nunez Joaquin. The decision was a pretrial ruling and did not determine whether any defendant is guilty.
Defense Arguments
Defense lawyer Caleb Mason argued that prosecutors distorted facts and characterized conduct the defense described as religious practice as sexual assaults. He also contended the case should be heard in California rather than New York.
Judge Preska was reported to have been skeptical of the defense arguments and rejected the suggestion that religious doctrine could justify conduct alleged as sexual abuse. One report summarized her position as meaning that religious faith does not justify the commission of crimes.
Church Response
La Luz del Mundo said the prosecution's theory of "spiritual coercion" criminalizes religious beliefs, according to a church statement. The church also stated that the rejection of the motions does not demonstrate the guilt of the accused nor resolve the constitutional questions raised by its lawyers.
The organization expressed concern about procedural guarantees and the right to an adequate defense.
Case Background
The federal case became public on September 10, 2025, when the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced charges against six people. Prosecutors allege the defendants used the structure and resources of La Luz del Mundo for years to facilitate sexual abuse against women and minors, conduct illicit financial operations, and obstruct investigations.
Joaquin Garcia is already serving a California sentence of 16 years and 8 months imposed in June 2022 after pleading guilty to three sexual offenses involving minors. The New York case is a separate federal proceeding.
What It Means for US Readers
The case involves a Mexico-based religious organization with a significant presence in the United States, particularly in California and Texas. U.S. readers may encounter La Luz del Mundo congregations in major American cities.
The federal prosecution in New York raises constitutional questions about religious freedom under the First Amendment. The church argues that the government's theory of spiritual coercion could criminalize religious beliefs and practices.
What Is Not Known
The written reasoning of Judge Preska's decision was not available in the reports reviewed. Some reports describe an oral rejection on October 27, while others say the court's fuller written resolution was still pending or would be formalized later.
The exact charges vary across reports, with overlapping but not identical descriptions including organized crime, racketeering, sex trafficking, child-sex trafficking, sexual offenses, exploitation of minors, and financial crimes. The full evidentiary record and witness list have not been disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the judge decide on October 27, 2026?
The decision did not determine guilt or innocence. It addressed legal motions intended to prevent the case from reaching a jury or change how it would proceed.
When and where will the trial take place?
The trial date could still change through future court orders. The October ruling kept the current schedule in place.
What charges does Naason Joaquin Garcia face in New York?
Joaquin Garcia is already serving a 16-year, 8-month California prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2022 to three sexual offenses involving minors. The New York case is a separate federal proceeding.
Sources: US District Court for the Southern District of New York, US Department of Justice, La Luz del Mundo statement.
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This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief