BishopAccountability.org
	Fox 10 Exclusive: Accused Sex Abuser Talks Fox 10 December 11, 2011 http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/crime/fox-10-exclusive-accused-sex-abuser-talks-12102011 He was a volunteer at a local church, and the leader of a youth group, but he is accused of sexually abusing a teenage church member. On Saturday, he spoke to Fox 10. The suspect -- 23-year-old Jose Mendoza -- faces two counts of sexual abuse over an incident that allegedly occurred in August. He bonded out of jail on Friday, and Fox 10 spoke to him briefly at his mother's home Saturday afternoon. Mendoza, a former youth group leader at the Centro Cristiano Vida Nueva Church near 30th Street and Thomas in Phoenix, wouldn't say much about the sexual abuse charges against him. “I really don’t want to talk about it. I got my lawyer. I’m going to go with the case, see what happens,” Mendoza said. “I’m not in the mood. I just don’t want to say nothing right now.” According to court paperwork -- the alleged victim -- just 16 years old at the time -- told a fellow church member about an incident at Mendoza's home in August. After they had had pizza and watched a movie, they were supposed to go to church. She said that Mendoza sexually abused her. She said he pushed her onto the bed and tried to force himself on her, even though she said no. “I mean, obviously she was lying in some parts, but that’s all I can tell you right now,” Mendoza said. But Mendoza told police a different story. During an interview with detectives, he admitted the alleged victim had said no, and he acknowledged what he did was wrong. He said he even sent the teenager an apology letter. Mendoza repeatedly told police he was sorry. Court papers also state that the pastor of the church told the alleged victim's parents that Mendoza would no longer be allowed to volunteer there. Police said it was actually the lead pastor of that church who found out what allegedly happened and contacted investigators. Fox 10 tried to get in touch with someone from the church, but our calls were not returned.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.