Fox 12
October 18, 2007
http://www.kptv.com/news/14369172/detail.html
PORTLAND, Ore. — Several members of a local church said they'll take legal action after their pastor was arrested on rape charges.
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Sergio Alvarizarez was transferred from Clark County to the Multnomah County Jail Thursday morning after his arrest on Monday.
Police said they linked Alvarizarez, 38, to the sexual assault of eight women who are associated with his church, Casa Del Padre Church.
Officers responded to the church on Northeast Alberta Street on a disturbance call last month. When police arrived, they found several members of the church arguing with Alvarizarez about allegations of improper sexual contact, according to the
Portland Police Bureau.
Later that night, six women reported sexual assault to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. Two more alleged victims have been identified since the initial reports.
FOX 12 has learned that several members of the congregation are hiring an attorney to try and get back their church donations.
One couple said they gave the church more than $10,000 over the last year and a half and they want to know where the money went.
"When you think of a pastor, you think of a right person – someone who is never going to steal or do something bad," said former church member Durval Zaldana. "Unfortunately, Sergio was different."
According to members of the church, Alvarizarez lived in a 6,000 square-foot home in Ridgefield, Wash., which was recently listed for sale at nearly $1.4 million.
Alvarizares is facing one count of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree attempted rape and 10 counts of first-degree sex abuse.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
Detectives are still investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 503-823-0453.
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