A South Bay church leader faces misdemeanor charges for not reporting suspected sexual abuse, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced. Eric Manuel Merino, 43, a pastor at Victory Outreach Church in San Ysidro, was arraigned today after allegedly failing to report the abuse of a teenager by church choir leader, Rafael Valentin Magana.
Magana, 27, was convicted of a lewd act upon a child and is due for sentencing on June 18 where he could face up to three years in prison. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the regulatory breach by Pastor Merino came to light during the investigation into Magana's misconduct.
"Youth in San Diego County deserve to have a safe and healthy environment, free of sexual or physical abuse -- whether at school or at church," Stephan stated, per the District Attorney’s Office. The failure of Merino to alert authorities is a stark reminder of the critical nature of mandated reporting laws. These laws are in place specifically to protect children and prevent further acts of abuse by ensuring that suspicions are acted upon promptly by professionals in a position to recognize them.
Under California law, individuals like clergy members, teachers, and medical professionals are considered mandated reporters and must report any suspected child sexual abuse. Merino, if convicted, could face up to six months in jail, and a $1,000 fine. The District Attorney’s Office emphasizes the importance of these legal obligations through their Student Safety in School Systems Task Force which aims at maintaining vigil within the community for the protection of minors.
The case against Pastor Merino is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Kristi Gill of the DA’s Special Operations Division. Details on the Task Force and how the public can report suspected abuse are found on the District Attorney's Office website, ensuring that the community has the necessary resources to support the safety of children.
