The San Diego County Sheriff's Department reported Tuesday that 49-year-old Leticia McCormack and her parents 75-year-old Stanley . Several former clients of the drug and alcohol recovery and sober living program referred by the Rock Church claim its director, David Powers, repeatedly used sexually explicit language and touched them inappropriately while they were under his care and that his wife, Tina Powers, threatened them about going public with those allegations. . I stopped going when they close down during the pandemic I thought that was wrong and so I went back to my old church in City Heights were I raised my kids and Im glad I went back I dont have anything against the Rock Church, but after reading this article, it breaks me that they were notified by the biological parents and they didnt do anything. John David Blanchard of Virginia Beach's Rock Church, has been raking in $30,000 a month and traveling extensively since his October arrest, according to court records. Mom Allegedly Called 911, Confessed to Stabbing 3-Year-Old to Death, American Couple Living in Uganda Accused of Torturing 10-Year-Old Foster Child, Colo. Six women filed suit against San Diego's The Rock Church on Thursday, saying they were sexually harassed at a drug and alcohol recovery program associated with the megachurch. The spokesperson also said that her ordination at Rock Church was previously suspended and as of Thursday wasin the process of being revoked. DocketAmended Complaint dismissed with prejudice as to THE ROCK CHURCH. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Peyton, a heroin addict, took part in the program for approximately four months beginning in September 2013. Joel Osteen is a 'prosperity gospel' preacher who emphasizes on being able to reach your highest potential and live a positive life. 30. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. Founding Pastor. The parents said the surviving children had to be hospitalized and were suffering from an electrolyte imbalance that occurs when feeding is reinstated after severe malnutrition. The Rock Church is a diverse congregation of people who love Jesus. McCormack and her parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, are accused of abusing and torturing McCormacks three adopted daughters. Link. Deborah Cobrae. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus said: See that you do not despise or think less of one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven [are in the presence of and] continually look upon the face of My Father who is in heaven. (AMP), Part of the Jamieson Fausset and Brown Bible Commentary on Titus 1:7. In a statement on Sunday, the church . child abuse. Photo Illustration of an undated photo of Aarabella. They are both now with foster families. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Eventually the two married and established themselves in C3 Church Oxford Falls. There was also no system for handling complaints about David Powers behavior because he handled all the grievances for the sober living program, Donovan said. Adopted by abusive parents. For the Rock, our church has numerous volunteers who serve in a variety of ministries. Her name appears as Arabella in court records. Your IP: Despite numerous background checks, despite involvement with law enforcement both as a volunteer as well as a member with her husband as a Border Patrol officer, despite government agencies and the courts authorizing adoption and monitoring the children, despite all of this, clearly evil was hidden from obvious view. A California megachurch leader andher parents have been arrested on charges including murder and torture in the death of the woman's 11-year-olddaughter. A Spring Valley woman charged this week with murder, child abuse and torture in the death of her 11-year-old daughter was a Rock Church volunteer, but the evangelical megachurch says it cut. the San Diego County Sheriff's Office reported. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse" by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. VICTORY OUTREACHIS LISTED AS A RECOMMENDED CHURCH ON JOEL OSTEEN'S WEBSITE. The biological family says the girls name was Aarabella. His message is a self-centered, motivational one, that also lacks the power of the Holy Spirit and fails to speak of redemption fromevil found only in Jesus Christ. The 11-year-old was rushed to a hospital where she died. The Rock Church routinely runs background checks on all of our volunteers with the most recent for Leticia conducted on 10/25/21. "We continue to grieve for Arabella and her sisters. These are the most vulnerable of the population. Zalkin presented screen grabs of the Rock Church website that presented David Powers as the Rock Church Recovery leader and that showed Powers held an email account through rockrecovery.org. Following allegations of years-long bullying and financial misconduct, the lead pastor and executive team of an Association of Related Churches (ARC) megachurch, Everyone was laughing and goading, like it was a jokeuntil it wasnt. This comes after Chesterfield County Police say they arrested Blanchard on. Jessica Roth. Like McCormack, Adella Tom and Stanley Tom were charged with child abuse and torture. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. THE ROCK CHURCH SAN DIEGO IS LISTED AS A RECOMMENDED CHURCH ON JOEL OSTEEN'S WEBSITE. Why is this happening so often? All the people who knew her. It is an opportunity to trust God with our resources, knowing that we are partnering with Gods mission to see His kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven! San Diego Chargers (1982-1985) Career NFL statistics; Games: 35: Interceptions: 2: Fumble recoveries: 2: Miles Gregory McPherson (March 30, 1960) is the pastor of the Rock Church in San Diego, a motivational speaker, and a former NFL football player. Service Times Saturday Night - 6pm. Police said Arabella had two sisters living with her, one is six years old and the other is seven. If you are unfamiliar with the concerns over the Hillsong churches, Hillsong Church Watch is an excellent place to start. "The legal process will run its course and we hope justice for Arabella and her sisters will be served. "Its also bewildering because there were so many background checks done, McPherson told the congregation. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? We send our deepest condolences to all that are grieving at this time. Jim Cobrae. Its unimaginable what happened, and we are praying for healing for all of those involved. ", According to the church, ordained elders work on a volunteer basis with multiple tasks, but still have a "limited scope." Now the incident is under review. Proposed Order (on defendants San Diego Rock Church's demurrer to amended complaint) submitted by THE ROCK CHURCH received but not filed on 11/22/2019. They are the only parties to the complaint. The father reportedly took his life when investigators approached him near his home to question him. SAN DIEGO A lawsuit was filed in San Diego Thursday on behalf of six women who claim they were the victims of sexual battery and harassment at a drug and alcohol recovery program. Demurrer (to amended complaint) filed by THE ROCK CHURCH. Maranatha Chapel serves the community of Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, California, the church is led by Senior Pastor Daniel Bentley. We are so sorry that their family and friends are experiencing this unimaginable loss and pain. they charge people $500/month for internships, you even have to pay $15 to apply to the internship), building cult of personality around their leaders, us vs them mentality, etc. Cringeworthy! We are a church that impacts the city and influences the nations towards Jesus Christ. The case status is Disposed - Dismissed. In a statement to NBC San Diego, the church confirmed it is in the process of severing ties with Leticia. Not surprised though. Would rather have members of the Church of Satan babysit my kids than anyone who falls for a megachurch. . A San Diego woman and her two parents have been arrested following the death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack. Adella Tom was booked on three counts each of torture and willful cruelty to a child. Sad for the kid. Please visit Let us Reasonand the Biblical Worldview for an overview of the problems in his messages. Leticia McCormack and Stanley Tom were both booked on one count of murder, and three counts each of torture and willful cruelty to a child, the sheriff's department said. Taylor Peyton, Andria Donovan and Jaycee Peacock, three of the plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit, alleging inappropriate sexual conduct, harassment and battery, described their experiences with Soledad House. Join Groupsa real-time communication tool for Rock Church app LIFE Class Registration. murder. This Rock Church seems like a hellish place if you are a child. Refers to: THE ROCK CHURCH Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff); Kaiser, Divina (Defendant), DocketOriginal Summons filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. Cancellation and Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and By continuing to use this website, you agree to UniCourts General Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Maybe. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! Leticia McCormack, a leader at Rock Church in San Diego, founded and led by former NFL player Miles McPherson , was booked in jail Monday on a charge of murder, three counts of torture, and. Gavin Newson rejected the decision in 2022. Rock Church San Marcos Sanctuary Learn More Sun, Mar 19 Baptism - City Heights . The LIFE class is available with 5 of our campuses every Sunday from 11am-1pm. Memorandum of Points and Authorities (in support of demurrer to amended complaint) filed by THE ROCK CHURCH. U.S. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Then an adopted parent, her and her husband. Brian McCormack was a Border Patrol agent, the U-T reports. 1. An ambulance rushed Aarabella to the hospital in the middle of the night, but doctors couldnt save her. In the meantime, we extend our deepest condolences to all that are grieving and continue to pray for understanding and healing. The ruling was a reversal of the ruling two years ago by a different California parole board that voted to release Sirhan Sirhan. Watch Messages from Our Current Series Additional comment actions. The church said in a statement that McCormack began volunteering in 2013 and helped coordinate events and other ministry activities. Our church. The legal process will run its course and we hope justice for Arabella and her sisters will be served. REGION - Awaken Church is collecting its congregations' ballots for the upcoming governor recall elections at each of its five San Diego campuses, but . Leticia McCormack, meanwhile, was a high-profile member of Rock Church San Diego, which has several campuses in San Diego County. She told us the Rock Church did not have any involvement in the fostering or adoption of Aarabella or her sisters. Rock Church has weekly attendance over 19,000 and is a member of the scandal-plagued Association of Related Churches (ARC). DocketOrder on Court Fee Waiver (Granted in Whole) filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Little wonder people leave churches. McPherson serves on the ARC Lead Team. Refers to: MCWILLIAMS, JASON. Her leadership profile has since been removed from the church's website. They are now in the care of a new foster family. Their adoptions were finalized in 2019. uber from san diego to tijuana airport. The Rock Church is committed to save, equip, and send soul winners for Jesus Christ to establish Pervasive Hope in San Diego and around the globe. It already holds five services each. DocketReturned Mail (NOTICE OF STATUS CONFERENCE 08/19/20 IN C-69; NO MAIL RECEPTACLE) filed by The Superior Court of San Diego. All rights reserved, civil lawsuit, alleging inappropriate sexual conduct, harassment and battery, Poway Man Faces 20 Years in Prison for Manufacturing, Selling Anabolic Steroids Nationwide, Chula Vista Tenant Protection Ordinance Goes Into Effect, Rock Church honored David and Tina Powers as "Rock Heroes. It was the first time he addressed the adopted childs alleged killing and the arrest of three former church members in connection with her death. History. Two other plaintiffs - Hannah Paul and Mary Catherin Grayson - entered the recovery program in 2011 and 2013 respectively. by Tigist Layne September 1, 2021 3963. McCormack, Adella and Stanley Tom pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the charges. All of the signs were dismissed! Justin Rohrlich. To donate, click here. 2022-06-20, Harris County Courts | Contract | Declaration - Other (of Brandon T Willenberg in support of demurer to amended complaint) filed by THE ROCK CHURCH. A civil lawsuit filed in San Diego alleges clients of a Rock Church-affiliated recovery program were subjected to groping, sexual comments and intimidation in an atmosphere described by. They knew but did nothing. "We continue to grieve for Arabella and her sisters. Our goal is to warn Christians, specifically in the San Diego County area, of the 'churches' which endorse Joel Osteen and Lakewood Ministries. Status Conference (Civil) scheduled for 08/19/2020 at 09:15:00 AM at Central in C-69 Katherine Bacal. Boyfriend charged in death of woman who was found dismembered in New York City apartment, 'Finally' Snoop Dogg's legendary life story coming to the big screen, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. She was a volunteer for law enforcement, background checked by law enforcement. Ex Parte Application - Other and Supporting Documents, San Diego Rocks Church's Reply to Opposition of Noticed Motion and Supporting Declarations, Declaration of Brandon T. Willenberg In Support of San Diego Rock Church's Reply to Opposition of Noticed Motion and Supporting Declarations, San Diego Rock Church's Demurrer Reply Proof of Service, Demurrer (Defendant San Diego Rock Church's Notice of Demurrer and Demurrer to Amended Complaint), Memorandum of Points and Authorities (Defendant San Diego rock Church's Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Demurrer to amended Complaint), Declaration (Declaration of Brandon T. Willenberg in Support of Defendant San Diego Rock Church's Demurrer to Amend Complaint), Proposed Order [Proposed] Order on Defendant San Diego Rock Church's Demurrer to Amend Complaint), Proof of Service (Proof of Service Re Defendant San Diego Rock Church's Demurrer to Amend Complaint), Cases involving other civil rights and constitutional questions not classified elsewhere, 440, 444, 1440, 1444, 2440, 2444, 3440, 3444, 4440, 4444, 5950. The Rock Church is committed to save, equip, and send soul winners for Jesus Christ to establish Pervasive Hope in San Diego and around the globe. Prosecutors allege McCormack and her parents, Adella and Stanley Tom, abused and tortured the girl and her two sisters, ages 6 and 7, over the course of about five and a half years. DocketStatus Conference (Civil) scheduled for 08/19/2020 at 09:15:00 AM at Central in C-69 Katherine Bacal was vacated. It should be noted that none of the accusers were referred to ABC Sober Living by the Rock Church.". SAN DIEGO Fifteen COVID-19 cases among employees at the Rock Church prompted church officials to limit Sunday services, including some next weekend. You can still file a child sexual abuse claim for abuse that happened decades ago. In a statement to CBS News Thursday, the church said that McCormack was never a pastor at Rock Church, but was "ordained as an elder at another church under the Assemblies of God denomination. The Rock Church, Rock Church Ministries, Recovery Housing and ABC Sober Living are named as defendants in the suit. Filed By: Kaiser, Divina (Defendant), Order on Court Fee Waiver (Granted in Whole) filed by Kaiser, Divina. In 2013, multiple anonymous families sued the Rock Church in civil court, alleging another church employee had sexually abused their children. Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff). We are shocked by what happened and grieve over the death of Arabella, as well as the harm done to her sisters. I mean, thats really what this place is -- its a cesspool of sex., Powers denied the allegations claiming his company was a "high-profile target" and that after 17 years "this is the first time a rumor of this kind has ever come up.". Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a17129158e93a67 Sergio De La Morais a board member for Joel Osteens Champion Network. U.S. Attorneys Office says Tijuana man tried to enter U.S. with 62 packages of meth and one package of fentanyl, which weighed 53 pounds, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |. If you were involved at all with him youd have to know. Refers to: THE ROCK CHURCH Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff); Kaiser, Divina (Defendant), Original Summons filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. Phil Munsey is Chairman of Champions Network, a ministry of Joel Osteen that is focused on connecting the millions of viewers and Night of Hope attenders and help them find local churches. DocketAmended Complaint dismissed with prejudice as to MCWILLIAMS, JASON . The law firm hired an investigator who did an extremely thorough investigation and turned their findings back over to the law firm. In opposition to those teaching for filthy lucres sake (Tit 1:11; 1Ti 6:5; 1Pe 5:2). Reporting from San Diego The clerical sexual abuse scandal rocking the Roman Catholic Church hit home Thursday, as the Diocese of San Diego added eight priests to the list of those. Adella Tom, 70, faces two life terms in prison if convicted. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Chilean National Burglary Ring Targeting Upscale Neighborhoods Back on the Prowl: San Diego Police, Nanny Sentenced for Killing 4-Week-Old Baby She Was Caring for in San Diego, Experts Say Big Bear Bald Eagle Eggs Unlikely to Hatch, Powers would grab Peyton's buttocks during group prayer in support group meetings, Powers would squeeze Donovan's chest so that her breasts were pushed together, David and Tina Powers would have sex in their bedroom with the door open while women in the program were staying in their home, Peacock said Powers would often ask her to wear sexier clothes, Peacock and Paul claim Powers would enter their rooms without knocking, Powers entered Pauls room after her shower, hugged her and pressed his groin into her body, Powers would call Grayson into his office where he would run his hands up and down her body and embrace her, pressing his genitals against her body, In January 2014, Tina Powers approached Paul at an independent 12-step program and begged her not to speak about her husbands conduct. All calls are toll-free and confidential. By becoming a patron, you'll instantly unlock . Good luck with that. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Amended Complaint filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON; Kaiser, Divina. The Judge overseeing this case is Randa Trapp. Aarabella was pulled out of school after the girls were adopted, and all three girls were homeschooled. CWS records are typically confidential. McCormack served as an elder and ministry leadership coordinator for theRock School of Ministry at the Rock Church pastored by former NFL player Miles McPherson. A San Diego judge had a defendants 13-year-old daughter handcuffed. How tragic. Filed By: Kaiser, Divina (Defendant), DocketOrder on Court Fee Waiver (Granted in Whole) filed by Kaiser, Divina. A Spring Valley woman charged this week with murder, child abuse and torture in the death of her 11-year-old daughter was a Rock Church volunteer, but the evangelical megachurch says it cut ties with her in light of the criminal case. Soon enough, he was slapping my butt and walking into the room when I was naked, Peacock said. Chief Nisleit says he wants civilianize the department, as labor leaders say large raises are needed to fill those jobs. Jaycee Peacock says she entered Soledad House in July 2012 with a scholarship from the Rock Church to help with an addiction to alcohol, cocaine and ecstasy. Case assigned to Judicial Officer Trapp, Randa. A tragedy like this will rightly inspire intense reflection and soul searching by anyone who had interaction with this family. Arabella's grandmother Adella Tom, 70, was booked onthree counts of torture and three counts of willful cruelty to a child. Former employee Andria Donovan said she saw firsthand some of the inappropriate sexual behavior of David Powers toward women under his care in the five years she worked with the program. Detectives saidthey suspected child abuse. Minutes finalized for Ex Parte heard 08/05/2020 10:00:00 AM. That same day, deputies opened a child abuse and homicide investigation. Case Details Parties Documents Dockets These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Chilean National Burglary Ring Targeting Upscale Neighborhoods Back on the Prowl: San Diego Police, Nanny Sentenced for Killing 4-Week-Old Baby She Was Caring for in San Diego, Experts Say Big Bear Bald Eagle Eggs Unlikely to Hatch. For every way that someone can be lost, we want to provide a practical way for them to be found in the very place that they have ended up. --Miles McPherson. Also arrested and suspected in the girls death is McCormacks father, Stanley Tom, 75, and his 70-year-old wife, Adella Tom, the sheriffs department said. "The Rock no longer has any official relationship with Leticia. And the best part of all, documents in their CrowdSourced Library are FREE! Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. ", Through the church's website, they applauded the couple for their work with Rock Recovery described as "a 12-step, Christ-centered, co-ed support group that uses small group interaction, the Bible, and 12-step principles. DocketAmended Complaint dismissed with prejudice as to Kaiser, Divina . If what a church does is demonic in the depth of the evil it is a Satanic Church. By becoming a patron, you'll instantly unlock access to 2,721 exclusive posts. ABC 10 News reported that 43-year-old Matthew Tague, a pastor at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad, has been charged with at least 16 counts of lewd and . SAN DIEGO (CN) - The 16,000-member San Diego Rock Church fired a longtime pastor to try to stop him from testifying in a child molestation lawsuit against the church, the man claims in court. And sometimes, that sinful drive can lead to extreme behavior. Sunday Morning - 8:30 am & 10:30 am. The situation unfolded in the early morning hours of Aug. 30, when deputies responded to a call of a child in distress at a home in the Spring Valley area of San Diego County, the sheriff's department said. However, California law permits local agencies to release them in cases of child abuse death. McCormack served as an ordained elder and ministry leadership coordinator with the church. The legal process will run its course and we hope justice for Arabella and her sisters will be served.. Updated on: November 10, 2022 / 8:47 PM Civil Case Cover Sheet filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. Discover in 4 classes how much God loves you and has wired you in special ways to be used for His purposes. Period. He is a friend of Cornerstone Community Church. On the same day, McCormacks husband shot and killed himself after he drove up to the scene in a pickup. His conduct was so open and notorious youd have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to know. SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Fifteen employees at The Rock Church are quarantined at home after testing positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement sent to ABC 10News Sunday evening. Meanwhile 1 little girl dead and her sisters also showing signs of abuse. Slight concern should arise if one's church is recommended by a ministry that doesn't preach the Gospel. McCormack and her father are also accused of murdering Aarabella. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. The leadership at Rock Church said multiple staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at each of its five campuses and micro-sites throughout San Diego County. Again we categorically deny this allegation. We take things of this nature very seriously and we have always had a zero tolerance for this type of behavior. Leticia McCormack, a 49-year-old leader of Rock Church in San Diego, and her father Stanley Tom, 75, were both booked into San Diego Central Jail this week on murder charges, three counts of . For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (Tit 1:7, KJV), Many church leaders seem to be having a hard time living up to the above verse. Refers to: MCWILLIAMS, JASON. No One Knows. The El Cajon City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to begin exclusive negotiations with the Rock Church on a new limited-use tenant agreement under which ECPAC would be used between two and. On Thursday, McCormack's leadership profile had been removed from the megachurch's website. Ex Parte Application - Other and Supporting Documents filed by THE ROCK CHURCH. In addition to the murder charge, McCormack faces three counts of willful cruelty to a child and three counts of torture, as do her parents. Rock Church has had other incidents of child abuse involving its employees. When she complained, Murray apologized according to the court documents. . They do a lot of cult like behavior, like being obsessed with making money (e.g. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Connect with others for friendship and accountability so you will grow together in their spiritual walk. Paul and Grayson allege similar experiences in the court documents filed. Heart for the House is designed to help the people of Rock Church walk in discipleship, develop hearts of generosity, and step out in faith as we invest in the divine potential of Gods house. Should you need prayer during this time, please connect with one of our pastoral staff members. Arabella's biological mother told the U-T that McCormack and her husband became foster parents to Arabella and her two younger sisters in 2017, and later adopted all three of them. Order on Court Fee Waiver (Granted in Whole) filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. DocketOrder on Court Fee Waiver, filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON, on 10/10/2019, has expired. C3 CHURCH SAN DIEGO SUPPORTS AND ENDORSES JOEL OSTEEN, PASTORS SERGIO & GEORGINADE LA MORA OF CORNERSTONE CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO, CHURCHES IN SAN DIEGO WHO SUPPORT AND ENDORSE JOEL OSTEEN, Joel Osteen ministries thanked pastors from Cornerstone Church of San Diego, La Roca Comunidad Cristiana, C3 Church and Victory Outreach Church for making, "Now I would remind you, brothers,of the gospelI preached to you, which you received,in which you stand,and by whichyou are being saved, if youhold fast to the word I preached to youunless you believed in vain.3ForI delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ diedfor our sinsin accordance with the Scriptures,4that he was buried, that he was raisedon the third dayin accordance with the Scriptures,5and thathe appeared to Cephas, thento the twelve.". She is no longer affiliated with the church and her ordination was suspended at the beginning of the investigation and has now been officially revoked.