Citing insufficient evidence, Judge Stephen A. Marcus on Wednesday ruled to dismiss four counts of extortion against Naason Joaquin Garcia. Ocampo, they said, carried substantial influence at the Luz del Mundo church nearby and was in charge of the exclusive group typically composed of teenagers about 15 years old. Ocampo’s group included four of the Jane Doe complaining witnesses in the case, prosecutors said. In a statement following Wednesday’s hearing, La Luz del Mundo renewed its support for Garcia. Garcia succeeded his father in 2014 as the leader of La Luz Del Mundo, which is based in Guadalajara and claims millions of members.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 22, 2020 02:06 UTC