201904.10
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Youth leader at Santa Ana church arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting two minors

by in News

Police arrested a 22-year-old youth leader associated with a Santa Ana church Wednesday, April 10, on suspicion of sexually assaulting two girls.

An 11-year-old girl told authorities that a youth leader involved with the music program at Iglesia De Restauracion church, 1621 E. 17th St., had sexually abused her on March 5, according to a news release from the Santa Ana Police Department. She reported that Anaheim resident Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez lured her into a church restroom, where he allegedly assaulted the girl.

Detectives found evidence linking Perez to a second possible victim. Police suspect that he may have sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl while leading a youth program at his home in an incident that had been reported to Anaheim police in March.

Detectives arrested Perez Wednesday morning at his residence in Anaheim, according to the release. He was booked into the Orange County Jail on suspicion of multiple child abuse charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, and his bail was set at $1,000,000.

  • Police escort Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez, 22, of Anaheim, into the Orange County Jail in Santa Ana on the morning of Wednesday, April 10. The youth leader at Iglesia de Restauracion church in Santa Ana was arrested Wednesday, April 10, on suspicion of sexually assaulting at least two underage girls. (Photo courtesy of the Santa Ana Police Department)

  • Police Arrested Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez, 22, of Anaheim, Wednesday, April 10, on suspicion of sexually assaulting at least two minors. (Photo courtesy of the Santa Ana Police Department)

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  • The building where the Iglesia de Restauracion church held services at 1621 E. 17th St. in Santa Ana. Authorities said this is where Jesse Francisco Hernandez Perez, 22, of Anaheim, allegedly sexually assaulted an 11-year old parishioner. Perez had been a youth leader for the church’s music program, and was a suspect in another reported sexual assault on a minor that allegedly took place at his home. He was arrested Wednesday, April 10 in connection to those allegations. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)

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Perez had been involved with the Iglesia De Restauracion church in Santa Ana for the past three years, and police believe he may have other victims, according to the release. Authorities asked anyone with information relevant to their investigation to call or email Santa Ana Police Cpl. Johanna Perez, at 714-245-8351, or jperez5@santa-ana.org . Anonymous tips can also be left with Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (847-6227).

Detectives from the Santa Ana and Anaheim police departments worked together on the investigation.