Local Minister Suspected Of Rape
Man Preached Protection From Devil Through Sex
POSTED: 2:27 pm PDT July 3,
2004
UPDATED: 2:35 pm PDT July 3,
2004
SAN DIEGO -- A local minister has been arrested for allegedly using fear of the devil to induce women to have sex with him.Carlos Romero, 59, was arrested at his workplace in Kearny Mesa Friday after a 2-month investigation, La Mesa police Sgt. Dan Willis said.In May, a 31-year-old woman told police that she had been sexually assaulted by her pastor over the last 6 years, 10News reported.
She said the pastor had convinced her that having sex with him would protect her from the devil.During the investigaton, La Mesa police located 2 additional victims.Police said Romero, who has been a minister for 20 years, has a congregation of about a dozen people and has nondenominational services in the homes of his Apostolic Church members."We haven't determined whether he has been officially ordained," Willis said.He faces charges of criminal threat and inducing consent to sexual acts by fear.Romero posted bail and was released from custody, a jail clerk said.
Copyright 2004 by TheSanDiegoChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.











