Earlier this month, Alachua County, Florida, authorities arrested Mark Vega, the head pastor of Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, on allegations that he failed to report suspicions of child sexual abuse committed by Gabriel Hemenez. Hemenez, a former employee of the church, has been accused of abusing at least five boys while working at Ignite Life. He is currently in prison and is also awaiting trial on additional charges.
In August, Gainesville Police filed an arrest affidavit against Vega, alleging that he personally had information about Hemenez’s sexual abuse of boys at Ignite Life but failed to alert law enforcement about Hemenez’s conduct despite being a mandated reporter under Florida law. According to the charging documents, Vega instead opted to handle the allegations internally.
The affidavit also alleges that during this same time period, Vega became aware of more sexual abuse allegations involving his own son, Christian Vargas, and another adult leader at the church, Noel Cruz, the son of assistant pastor Joey Cruz. Again, according to law enforcement, Vega opted to handle the matter internally rather than make any mandatory reports to law enforcement.
In January 2025, Cruz entered into a plea deal relating to his charges. Vargas remains free on bond pending trial.
Like his son, Vega is now free on bond. Before starting his church in Gainesville, Vega was a chaplain for the New York Yankees.
Horowitz Law attorneys Adam Horowitz and Jessica Arbour have filed five lawsuits against Ignite Life Center and the Florida Multicultural District Council of the Assemblies of God on behalf of kids who were sexually abused at Ignite Life Center. We stand ready to help any families affected by Vega’s alleged inactions and the church’s failure to protect the children entrusted to their care. Contact us confidentially today.