Pastor in Chicagoland Megachurch Tied to Child Sex Trafficking Case

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 10:41 PM

Early Morning Arrest Shocks Quiet Community

Cicero, Illinois—A town already filled with local activities and traditions, was rocked when federal agents stormed Light of the World Church. Known locally as La Luz Del Mundo, this church holds a prominent place in Cicero’s heart. Despite its reputation, Pastor Joram Núñez Joaquin faces federal charges linked to an alleged child sex trafficking operation that spans across states.

A Network of Intrigue and Deception

Federal authorities accuse Pastor Núñez Joaquin of playing a role in a complex web of deception. According to the newly-surfaced indictment, this tale of alleged abuse has plagued the church for years, affecting victims in California associated with church branches. Prosecutors allege the pastor posed as an attorney, leveraging his position to silence those victims with threatening tactics.

In courtroom drama fit for a legal thriller, the 37-year-old pastor stood before a judge in Chicago at the Dirksen Federal Building. Despite pleas from his attorney, describing him as a devoted father and leader, the pastor remains in custody due to flight risks. His journey continues as he is transferred to the Southern District of New York, where the broader case against church figures is unfolding.

Family and Faith Amidst Allegations

Pastor Núñez Joaquin, a father and husband, has fervently maintained his innocence. His lawyer’s words rang with hope for justice, contrasting against the prosecutor’s grim narrative. While all eyes are on the unfolding legal proceedings, the pastor stands firm on his faith’s unyielding foundation even as he awaits further hearings.

The Shadow of Past Betrayals Lingers

Not isolated, but part of a broader scandal, this case echoes through past misdeeds involving the church’s fallen leader, Naasón Joaquín García, shedding light on decades of allegations regarding systemic abuse. García faces his dismissive fate behind bars after his own guilty plea in 2022.

Community’s Reaction to Dark Allegations

The accusations have left locals and parishioners stunned, wrestling with disbelief while a broader conversation unfolds on the role of faith communities and accountability. Federal agents continue to untangle this intricate narrative, taking steps towards justice amidst unsettling religiopolitical dynamics.

As these grave proceedings unfold, Cicero—and the world—watches with bated breath, demanding clarity and justice as the unending commitment to combatting sexual abuse stands resolute. According to ABC7 Chicago, these developments serve as a stark reminder of the pervasive injustice still haunting many.

In this moving case, where faith, trust, and power intertwine, Cicero stands in somber unity, seeking truth’s light amidst overwhelming darkness.