BishopAccountability.org
	San Jose Pastor Accused of Molesting Boy By Leslie Griffy Mercury News April 10, 2008 http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_8874241?nclick_check=1 A longtime preacher of a San Jose church was arrested on suspicion of molesting a 12-year-old churchgoer, San Jose police officer Enrique Garcia said Wednesday. Gustavo Antonio Lanzas, 64, of Sunnyvale was taken into custody Friday on suspicion of committing lewd acts on a minor under 14 years old. He has been the only pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Luz y Verdad for about 20 years, Garcia said. Police began investigating Lanzas after the boy alleged that he had been molested. It's unclear if the boy said that Lanzas molested him at the church or another location, but officers searched the church on Aiello Drive in San Jose and the preacher's Sunnyvale home. Several members of the congregation showed up at church Wednesday night for a regularly scheduled prayer service, but it was canceled. Many said they did not believe the accusations against the pastor. "It's all lies and it's going to be proven; he is a sincere, honest man who helps everyone with their needs. This is a grave accusation," said Blanca Montes, who has attended the church for eight years. Montes said the pastor had not been at services since April 1. The congregation ranges from 45 to 60 people. Garcia said officers are looking to see if there are other victims. "Because he is in a position of trust, people can be very apprehensive about telling their family or police because they are afraid they won't be believed," Garcia said. "Now that this has come to light, maybe they will feel a little more confident." It's also unclear when the alleged incidents may have occurred. Anyone with information about this case was asked to call detective Kendra Spath at (408) 277-4102. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may call (408) 947-STOP.
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