Pacoima pastor arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor

A Pacoima pastor has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor and is accused of using his position in the church to manipulate them, the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department said on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The pastor was identified as 32-year-old Pinon Hills resident Junior Andrew Bennett, who goes by “Prophet Junior Bennett” and is the the head pastor of Breakthrough Church in Pacoima, investigators said. Pinon Hills is a community in San Bernardino County north of Wrightwood.

Bennett was arrested on suspicion of sodomy of a minor, lewd acts with a child and oral copulation of a minor on Jan. 14, after authorities received reports of child abuse, according to the sheriff’s department.

Investigators believe Bennett used his position as a pastor to manipulate and then sexually assault minors, the sheriff’s department said. Authorities also believe there may be more victims.

Jail records from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department show that Bennett was released on bail on Jan. 30.

Social media accounts in Bennett’s and Breakthrough Church’s names indicate that Bennett founded the church and is still active as the church’s pastor.

Bennett and Breakthrough Church had no comment on the arrest when reached on Wednesday afternoon.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department asks anyone with information about the investigation to contact the Victor Valley station at 760-552-6800 or sheriff’s dispatch at 760-956-5001.