THIS IS THE SECOND ARREST OF THE SON OF AN IGNITE LIFE CENTER PASTOR FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING KIDS IN THE CHURCH
On February 19, 2024, Gainesville Police arrested Noel Cruz after an allegation that he sexually abused a young girl at Ignite Life Center in Gainesville. Cruz is the third man arrested for sexually abusing a kid at the church since July 2023. He is the son of Joey Cruz, one of the church's pastors.
Shockingly, this is the second time the adult son of a church leader has been arrested for sexually abusing kids at the church, and the third man overall. Christian Vargas, son of head pastors Mark and Lisa Vega, was arrested in July 2023 for sexually abusing multiple underage girls in the church.
Also, in July 2023, Gabriel Hemenez, a youth leader and chaperone, was arrested after he admitted to molesting multiple teenage boys who were participating in the church's summer program. Hemenez is expected to plead guilty to charges against him next month. All three men are being prosecuted by the Alachua County State Attorney's office.
Horowitz Law represents several of the young men and women who say they were sexually abused and assaulted at Ignite Life Center as children. Contact us confidentially today if you or your child has been hurt by one of Ignite Life Center's ministers or volunteers.
The lawyers at Horowitz Law represent children and adults who are survivors of sexual abuse by priests, ministers, rabbis, deacons, nuns, and other clergy members in civil lawsuits. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse or sexual assault at a church or other religious organization, please contact us at 954-641-2100.