The Rock Church led by Pastor Miles McPherson is committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with San Diego and beyond. Why do they say, Allege when many of the allegations have been proven already in many of the ARC Churches? All the people who knew her. The two said they reported their suspicions to the Rock Church and Child Welfare Services, but neither organization took their reports seriously. Status Conference (Civil) scheduled for 08/19/2020 at 09:15:00 AM at Central in C-69 Katherine Bacal was vacated. The church told TRR that the coordinator job is a volunteer position. Fired Megachurch Pastor Alleges Coverup - Courthouse News Service The . Why is this public record being published online? Leticia McCormack, a one-time elder and former volunteer at Rock Church in San Diego, who was charged with the murder of her 11-year-old adopted daughter, Arabella, months after her husband died by suicide, had passed several background checks that revealed nothing to suggest her life was on track toward tragedy, said the churchs Senior Pastor Miles McPherson. 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. The former pastor, August Hunter, alleged he and his wife saw the Rock Church employee molesting a child in an elevator, media reported. If you do not agree with these terms, then do not use our website and/or services. The deceased girl, Arabella*, was the adoptive daughter of Leticia McCormack. The church also extended its condolences and offered prayers for comfort and peace for those grieving. McPherson serves on the ARC Lead Team. Aug. 8, 2012 8:06 PM PT. The Rock Church on Wednesday confirmed that one of its former teachers has been accused by some students' families of sexual abuse. Gathering evidence and conducting interviews must be done methodically while protecting the children and preserving the rights of parents and family members.. As soon as I arrived, David began making inappropriate comments to me. Typically, you can receive a tax deduction for the value of the stock on the day . Recent Hillsong whistleblower documents show that Hillsongs alleged celebrity preachers scam didnt just enrich Brian Houston, founder of the global megachurch, with, Jimn Kyles of Anchor Bend Churchan Association of Related Churches (ARC) megachurch in Texasrecently urged his congregation to give more money because, Disgraced megachurch pastor Jeremy Foster this weekend posted a video on Instagram apologizing for the adulterous affair that led to his resignation, Never surprised at what is reported about mega churches. It was the first time he addressed the adopted child's alleged killing and . McCormack and her father are also accused of murdering Aarabella. Miles McPherson says fmr. Here's What to Know, Michael J. . Refers to: THE ROCK CHURCH Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff); Kaiser, Divina (Defendant), DocketRequest to Waive Court Fees filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. steward of GodThe greater the master is, the greater the virtues required in His servant [Bengel], (1Ti 3:15); the Church is Gods house, over which the minister is set as a steward (He 3:2-6; 1Pe 4:10, 17). 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. Florey said when she confronted Leticia McCormack about the childs response, McCormack claimed the girl was just being dramatic. Because, as we have seen time and again from the reporting on this site, they didnt want to hear about or acknowledge anything that would damage the reputation of their church. Filed By: Kaiser, Divina (Defendant). Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement by Constantine Campbell. Events - Rock Church Fox Doesn't Believe He'll Live to Be 80 as He Battles Parkinson's Disease, Man, 20s, Dies of Heat Exhaustion on El Capitan Trail in Lakeside, 25-Year-Old Makes $200/Hour Without a Bachelor's Degree: I Work Less Than 6 Hours a Day', Nathan Fletcher's Accuser Speaks Publicly for First Time Since Filing Lawsuit. The biological family says the girls name was Aarabella. According to Zalkin, Powers allegedly behaved inappropriately toward the women in the lawsuit coming on to the victims. Daughter of Disgraced Megachurch Pastor Jeremy Foster Speaks Out, Christian Rocker Posts Stunning Response to Recent Apostasy of Christian Leaders, Chicago Radio Host & a Former Bodyguard Say James MacDonald Asked Them to Arrange Murders, James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry, Mancow Airs Shocking Comments By James MacDonald: My Response. Young Adults/Connection/Small Groups. Founding Pastor. The lawsuit naming the Rock Church Ministries claims the women suffered sexual misconduct at the hands of a recovery program director. SAN DIEGO . This year, David Looney, a former teacher at Rock Academy, a K-12 school run by Rock Church, pleaded guilty to crimes associated with the alleged sexual abuse of a former Rock Academy student. Vs. William M. Sullivan. SPRING VALLEY 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 . We have the same questions., A post shared by Miles McPherson (@milesmcpherson). Sheriff Investigating Death of San Diego Megachurch Elder's Daughter Hillsong maintains 3 California churches as others across the nation depart ministry amid scandals. Would rather have members of the Church of Satan babysit my kids than anyone who falls for a megachurch. not self-willedliterally, self-pleasing; unaccommodating to others; harsh, the opposite of a lover of hospitality (Tit 1:6); so Nabal (1Sa 25:1-44); self-loving and imperious; such a spirit would incapacitate him for leading a willing flock, instead of driving. Florey told TRR that she once hugged one of her daughters and the daughter said it hurt. Appearances of gold dust, angels, teaching impartaions, how to heal and prophecy. Nazar did not address Florey and Sambranos claims, saying they were very broad.. Your IP: Her leadership profile has since been removed from the church's website. Minyvonne Burkeis a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Maybe. We really need to stop defending the indefensible. Grayson reported David Powers behavior to a counselor but the behavior continued. Her mother, Adella Tom, 70, was charged only with torture and willful cruelty to a child. I think we can and should agree that they deserved a safe and loving environment once they were placed in this home. Julie Roys is a veteran investigative reporter and founder of The Roys Report. Its unimaginable what happened, and we are praying for healing for all of those involved. Jessica Roth. . The allegedly . Get the latest San Diego news, breaking news, weather, traffic, sports, entertainment and video from fox5sandiego.com. Refers to: THE ROCK CHURCH, Complaint filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. As published earlier in The Roys Report (TRR), Arabella McCormack was found at her home in Spring Valley, California, on August 30 by deputies responding to a call of a child in distress. On March 30, 2014 the Rock Church San Diego had Maria Sainz as a special guest speaker. Totally agree. Order After Hearing (Order Re Defendant Ex Parte Application for Order Dismissing Plaintiff's Amended Complaint) filed by The Superior Court of San Diego. NBC 7 also reached out to the San Diego Police Department regarding these allegations. Status Conference (Civil) scheduled for 03/27/2020 at 08:45:00 AM at Central in C-69 Katherine Bacal. Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff), Request to Waive Court Fees filed by Kaiser, Divina. 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. Arabella McCormack, 11, died Aug 30 in what authorities say was a child abuse case. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. Again we categorically deny this allegation. Amended Complaint dismissed with prejudice as to MCWILLIAMS, JASON . Case Summary. Naasn Joaqun Garca, the leader . Reporting the truth? Its also bewildering because there were so many background checks that were done, McPherson said in an address to his congregation about McCormacks arrest on Sunday. A tragedy like this will rightly inspire intense reflection and soul searching by anyone who had interaction with this family. Ex-Rock Church teacher accused of sex abuse - San Diego Union-Tribune Their adoptions were finalized in 2019. Detectives who responded to the call suspected possible child abuse in the home and Arabella was rushed to a local hospital where she died. Arrested Rock Church volunteer passed multiple background checks | U.S The parents say all three children were emaciated in the pictures, and had bruises and scabs on their body, as well as broken teeth and signs of broken bones. Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff), DocketRequest to Waive Court Fees filed by Kaiser, Divina. Theresa Aguilar. The Rock Church San Diego with Pastor Miles McPherson is becoming apart of the New Apostolic Reformation. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. The investigation ended more than 2 months ago. A church spokesperson said Thursday that she was not on staff and that she operated in a volunteer capacity to help with various ministry tasks. 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. How many other stories do we have to hear about this kind of corruption before we start asking Where is God in all of this? I think you already know the answer. The attorney said he expects more women to come forward in this case with their own stories of sexual misconduct linked to the recovery program. The case status is Disposed - Dismissed. Keep doing this Ms. Roys! The church relies on these volunteers to fulfill its mission of helping others in service to God. And obviously, we did a background check after all that nothing revealed like anything like this would happen, could happen.. The father then took his life in the detectives presence, according to the Sheriffs Department statement. It further noted that her ordination as an elder was completed at another church and transferred to the Rock in January 2022. In 2009, the Rock Church honored David and Tina Powers as "Rock Heroes. Core Ministries - Rock Church Rock Church Buys Old Strip Club, Vows to be Good - NBC 7 San Diego A church spokeswoman told NBC 7 that Aarabellas biological mother spells her name with two As, but that she was registered at the Rock as Arabella. The Rock has not seen the lawsuit and therefore cannot comment further.. Amended Complaint dismissed with prejudice as to THE ROCK CHURCH. DocketMinutes finalized for Ex Parte heard 08/05/2020 10:00:00 AM. 000 attendees. After that incident, Florey said she was required to come to a state-provided visitation center for all her visits. Additionally no staff has left as well. They further noted that she last did a background check on Oct. 25, 2021. Then an adopted parent, her and her husband. 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. Fired Megachurch Pastor Alleges Coverup. Rock Church has had other incidents of child abuse involving its employees. Two other plaintiffs - Hannah Paul and Mary Catherin Grayson - entered the recovery program in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Women's Ministry. Leticia McCormack and her parents are scheduled to be back in court on Wednesday for a bail and readiness hearing. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Refers to: THE ROCK CHURCH. We have been helping people get sober for 17 years and this is the first time a rumor of this kind has ever come up. McCormack's attorney declined to comment. Checks can be made payable to "Rock Church" and dropped off at any campus, or mailed to: Rock Church, 2277 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92106 Gift of Stocks & Mutual Funds Giving appreciated assets - such as stock - often allows you to maximize a gift. We also reached out to Child Welfare Services (CWS) to ask specifically about Sambranos and Floreys allegations but did not immediately hear back. A civil suit filed in San Diego Thursday alleges clients of a Rock Church-affiliated recovery program were subjected to groping, sexual comments and intimidation in an atmosphere described by their attorney as a cesspool of sex.. We deal with a fragile population and people look to move out for any reason possible. A sheriff's spokesperson said she "appeared to be very undernourished.". Her ordination at the church was suspended and later revoked. The law firm hired an investigator who did an extremely thorough investigation and turned their findings back over to the law firm. Arabellas biological mother, Torriana Florey, told NBC 7 San Diego that Arabellas adoptive father was Brian McCormack, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent. The Rock Church, located in Liberty Station at 2277 Rosecrans Street in Point Loma, is home to over 18,000 people in San Diego that attend church services at one of The Rock's five campuses or watch the online broadcast. The Rock's base in Point Loma, but the church also operates in San Marcos and El Cajon, where it hosts five weekly services at 808 Jackman St. Pastor Ricky Page leads the El Cajon branch. Responding to Mondays arrests, which came after a two-month investigation, the sheriffs department said, The safety of our children is of paramount importance to the Sheriffs Department. Along with murder, she was charged with three counts of torture and three counts of willful cruelty to a child. San Diego, CA 92106 619.226.7625 (ROCK) Visit Point Loma San Marcos El Cajon Chula Vista City Heights Oahu Watch Message Archive Current Series . Rock Church is committed to cooperating with law enforcement and child welfare investigators, Nazar stated. Six deputies came up and forcibly removed me from my wheelchair, lifting me out of it, and put me in a vehicle to send me to George Bailey, one man says. Like McCormack, Adella Tom and Stanley Tom were charged with child abuse and torture. The Rock Church routinely runs background checks on all of our volunteers with the most recent for Leticia conducted on 10/25/21. His conduct was so open and notorious youd have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to know. ", 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. Forget what the church says, watch what it does. On the same day, McCormacks husband shot and killed himself after he drove up to the scene in a pickup. And the best part of all, documents in their CrowdSourced Library are FREE! An ordained elder at a megachurch in San Diego, California, has been arrested on suspicion of abuse and murder in the death of her 11-year-old daughter, according to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. Its like baling a sinking boat with a sieve. 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. He added that the children were always hungry and would eat large amounts of food he would bring to visitations. Returned Mail (NOTICE OF STATUS CONFERENCE 08/19/20 IN C-69; NO MAIL RECEPTACLE) filed by The Superior Court of San Diego. As a volunteer, Leticia had a limited capacity and was mostly focused on administrative coordination. Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our journalists continue to report the truth and restore the church? Note: ministers are not merely Church officers, but Gods stewards; Church government is of divine appointment. Meet the Pastors | The Rock Church Sambrano said he reported suspected child abuse to staff at the Rock Church and urged them to investigate. 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. Everyone is judged by what they do or do not do. Totally agree with Daffys point about providing the training her denomination provides to keep children safe. We see this is the third article this month youve found worth reading. However, California law permits local agencies to release them in cases of child abuse death. In September 2011, Roe claims she was napping on a couch when she felt someone rubbing their hands up and down her legs. 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. Refers to: THE ROCK CHURCH Filed By: MCWILLIAMS, JASON (Plaintiff); Kaiser, Divina (Defendant), Request to Waive Court Fees filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. Rock Church - YouTube The Rock Church Plans to Transform Former Strip Club. The environment of the program excused and normalized behavior that would never be tolerated in any other setting, she said. They were allegedly committed at a recovery center owned and operated by ABC Sober Living. Multiple staff members test positive for COVID-19 at Rock Church Peyton, a heroin addict, took part in the program for approximately four months beginning in September 2013. Jan. 17, 2013 4:25 PM PT. VS. FLOYD JULIA ETAL ET AL. So im reading reports that this church was notified of abuse but did nothing nothing. DocketOrder on Court Fee Waiver (Granted in Whole) filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON LEVINE-COSBY. Both Florey and Sambrano told TRR they noticed signs of abuse shortly after their children were placed in the McCormacks home. Cringeworthy! Officials said they did conduct a criminal investigation involving David Powers and one female. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of "She Deserves Better" by Sheila Wray Gregoire. ICWA is a federal law that prevents the unnecessary removal of indigenous children from their homes by public and private agencies. 91.234.33.200 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. Charges accusing Rock Church International Pastor John Blanchard of arranging to meet a person he thought was a teenage girl for sex in a motel room were dismissed Tuesday at the request of prosecutors, according to the Chesterfield County court clerk's office. Sambrano said that from 2016 to 2018, he had weekly visitations with his daughters at The Rock Churchs campus in Point Loma. Public Records Policy. Rock Church | San Diego CA - Facebook Our church. Sambrano admits there was a verbal altercation in 2013 between he and Florey but maintain neither parent verbally or physically harmed their children. Authorities have released few other details about the alleged crimes. I was terrified if I told anyone I wouldnt be able to complete my treatment, Peyton said. The Rock Church - Point Loma Campus in San Diego, Califronia (Courtesy Photo) Rock Church has had other incidents of child abuse involving its employees. Lawyers for her parents could not immediately be reached for comment. San Diego Rock Church Pastor Miles McPherson spoke publicly Sunday about the death of 11-year-old Aarabella McCormack. Shortly after Arabella McCormack died Aug. 30, her father died by suicide in front of deputies who made contact with him near the familys home. NBC 7's Kelvin Henry spoke to the young girl's family at a candlelight vigil in her memory. To donate, click here. Status Conference (Civil) scheduled for 08/19/2020 at 09:15:00 AM at Central in C-69 Katherine Bacal. Elder at San Diego Megachurch Arrested in Alleged Abuse Death of 11 DocketAmended Complaint dismissed with prejudice as to THE ROCK CHURCH. McPherson then directed people to the churchs website, which posted this statement: "We are aware that arrests have been made as a result of the investigation by law enforcement concerning the death of Arabella McCormack. Zalkin said he plans to file the complaint with the San Diego Superior Court on Thursday. David made disgusting sexual comments and found a way to touch me every single day that I was there, she said. Megachurch Leader Arrested Alongside Her Parents for Allegedly - People Minutes finalized for Ex Parte heard 08/05/2020 10:00:00 AM. This is a crime against childrena crime so severe that my (remaining) children are still not going to be right.. We respond to all reports alleging child abuse and neglect. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Authorities began their investigation Aug. 30 after deputies were called to a home in Spring Valley for a report of a child in distress. not given to filthy lucrenot making the Gospel a means of gain (1Ti 3:3, 8). Leticia McCormack, 49, was arrested Monday on a charge of murder, three counts of torture and three counts of willful cruelty to a child in the death of Arabella McCormack, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said in a news release Tuesday. The child was reportedly transported by ambulance to a hospital, where her health continued to decline and she died. Of those people, one person in particular took this girl to a law firm in hopes of taking us down. San Diego Rock Church Pastor Miles McPherson spoke publicly Sunday about the death of 11-year-old Aarabella McCormack. Order on Court Fee Waiver, filed by MCWILLIAMS, JASON, on 10/10/2019, has expired. Sambrano, whos an Indigenous American, also asserts that his children were adopted by the McCormacks in 2019 in violation of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Proof of Service (of demurrer, memorandum of points and authorities, declaration, proposed order) filed by THE ROCK CHURCH. Additionally no staff has left as well. DocketCivil Case Management Conference scheduled for 04/10/2020 at 09:50:00 AM at Central in C-70 Randa Trapp. 2. . Deborah Cobrae. Proof of Service filed by THE ROCK CHURCH; THE ROCK CHURCH. Please click here to learn how. . Just shows that the authorities need to do their due diligence, regardless of the religious credentials of the applicants. When the Rock first learned on Monday of the allegations against Mr. According to the ministries website, The Rock Church was founded in 2000 by Pastor Miles McPherson. 83,647 were here. Just being here, it gives me hope, Opinion: Happy May Day: Remember the folks who brought you the eight-hour work day, Opinion: San Diego rental law changes could end up increasing rents, chasing good landlords away, Opinion: Homeless encampments are more than just a nuisance, they are a health hazard. 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 civil suit filed in San Diego Thursday alleges clients of a Rock Church-affiliated recovery program were subjected to groping, sexual comments and intimidation in an atmosphere described by . And we have the same questions and we got to go to the Lord for those, for comfort in that situation. Court records show an anonymous plaintiff has also sued Looney and Rock Church this year for damages in civil court. In the meantime, we extend our deepest condolences to all that are grieving and continue to pray for understanding and healing. It should be noted that none of the accusers were referred to ABC Sober Living by the Rock Church.". Civil Case Management Conference scheduled for 04/10/2020 at 09:50:00 AM at Central in C-70 Randa Trapp. The reason is irrelevant. No legal actions have been taken against us to date and we have never been sued. Nor is there any instruction for children or church members as to what they are to expect from volunteers and those in responsibility. Good luck with that. Aarabella was pulled out of school after the girls were adopted, and all three girls were homeschooled. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. One of these facilities, ABC Sober Living, is owned by David Powers. We continue to grieve for Arabella and her sisters. the San Diego-based mega-church . Again we categorically deny this allegation. It names husband and wife David and Tina Powers and the sober . Theyve gone there to seek healing and what they get is a sex fest, said Zalkin. Opinion: What is Revivaland is it Happening at Asbury? The elder, Leticia McCormack, 49, was arrested Monday and faces murder and torture charges stemming from the August 30th death of her daughter, Arabella McCormack, officials said. Case Details Parties Documents Dockets. The Rock Church, Rock Church Ministries, Recovery Housing and ABC Sober Living are named as defendants in the suit. This year, David Looney, a former teacher at Rock Academy, a K-12 school run by Rock Church, pleaded guilty to crimes associated with the allegedsexual abuseof a former Rock Academy student. Because the children denied any abuse, the cases were dismissed, the parents say. 2. . Hes conditioning their continued stay on them giving it up, he added. As the courts now act, we, like everyone else impacted by this, will hope for resolution and some sense of closure through this process. Despicable! Leticia was not a part of our paid staff, was not a pastor and did not serve in any official pastoral role for the church. No one left our program except 1 girl who immediately relapsed.