Orange County Redeemer Church Staff Member Arrested for Child Sexual Assault Allegations
Orange County Redeemer Church staff member Michael Robert Maxwell, 42, of Irvine, was arrested recently after allegations came to light that he may have sexually assaulted a teenage girl for a decade. The Irvine Police Department launched an investigation into Maxwell, who has been described as a “prominent staff member” of Redeemer Church of Orange County.
Due to the extended length of time the abuse is alleged to have lasted, authorities believe that there may be other Redeemer Church victims. While Michael Maxwell is awaiting several criminal charges that come with harsh punishments if he is convicted, victims can also pursue their justice by filing a California child sexual assault suit. A child sexual assault suit can help victims recover monetary compensation for the damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Psychological harm
- Diminished quality of life
- Lost wages
- Punitive damages
An attorney can help victims navigate the legal process, ensuring that everything is being done correctly. At Beck Law P.C., our California child sexual abuse attorney can review your case and advise you of your legal options.
Many More Orange County Redeemer Church Victims May Exist
After the investigation, Maxwell was booked into the Orange County Jail. He is expected to be charged with several crimes, including, but not limited to:
- Oral copulation
- Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child
Given the severity of the case and the extended amount of time that Maxwell allegedly engaged in child sexual abuse, authorities did not delay in releasing his photo to local media outlets due to a high level of concern that other Orange County Redeemer Church victims exist. As a result, the Irvine Police Department is encouraging the public with relevant information related to this case to contact Detective Vincent Vasquez by email at: vvasquez@cityofirvine.org.
The Irvine PD is partnering with Child Protective Services for the ongoing investigation.
Orange County Redeemer Church
Redeemer Church of Orange County has yet to respond to the allegations of abuse by its staff member, Michael Robert Maxwell. However, a response is vital to address the concerns that the community and congregation have related to child safety. This case is yet another example of why background checks are so critical. Additionally, institutions and organizations where children gather must have strict and clear child protection policies.
Speak to a California Child Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse at some point during their childhood. Religious institutions are often high-risk settings for children, especially because of the belief that they are safe and that those involved with them can be trusted. One of the most significant issues with abuse in religious institutions is the rampant underreporting, which makes it difficult to truly grasp the extent of the problem.
For all of your questions and if you would like help with a California child abuse claim, you are welcome to contact our California child sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. at (707) 576-7175 today.
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