The recent arrest of Yersson David Solarte, a 33-year-old Pentecostal pastor, has once again brought to light the disturbing reality of child sexual abuse within religious communities. On May 7, 2025, Solarte was arrested in Virginia while on a family trip, charged with sexual battery of a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation. This case, involving the abuse of two underage girls at Ipul Pentecostal Church in Sanford, Florida, underscores a broader pattern of hypocrisy among some Pentecostal leaders who proclaim holiness, claim to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and profess strict adherence to biblical teachings—yet engage in heinous acts against the most vulnerable. This blog post examines Solarte’s case, highlights other instances of child sexual abuse by Pentecostal leaders, and reflects on the stark contradiction between their professed faith and their actions, particularly in light of Jesus’ words about harming children.
Yersson David Solarte: A Predator in the Pulpit
Yersson David Solarte, a married father and former pastor at Ipul Pentecostal Church (Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Latinoamericana Orlando Norte), was accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls who were members of his congregation. According to the Sanford Police Department, the investigation began on April 10, 2025, following reports of an “inappropriate relationship” between Solarte and the victims. The police found that Solarte had inappropriately touched both girls and sexually assaulted one of them on church grounds, including in his office and the multimedia room. One victim reported that Solarte forced her to sit on his lap during the assaults, while the second girl alleged multiple instances of abuse, including an incident where Solarte “forcefully” grabbed her face to kiss her, expressed romantic feelings, and even claimed they were a “couple” after unzipping his pants (People.com, May 10, 2025; Miami Herald, May 9, 2025).
Shockingly, Solarte reportedly justified his actions with a chilling rationale, telling one of the girls, “We only live once,” a phrase more associated with carefree indulgence than the moral responsibility of a pastor (DNYuz.com, May 10, 2025). This flippant attitude betrays the sacred trust placed in him as a spiritual leader. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith condemned Solarte’s actions, stating, “People like this are a special class of criminal, who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims. Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs” (Sanford Police Department, May 8, 2025). Authorities have since removed Solarte from his pastoral role and are urging other potential victims to come forward, suspecting there may be more who have not yet spoken out (Orlando Sentinel, May 8, 2025).
A Broader Pattern: Child Sexual Abuse in Pentecostal Communities
Solarte’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern within Pentecostal and broader evangelical communities, where leaders often claim to be anointed by the Holy Spirit and uphold strict biblical standards, yet exploit their authority to harm children. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has documented how some pedophiles are drawn to the ministry precisely because it provides access to children while shielding them from scrutiny. Clergy are often given “blind obedience,” especially in conservative settings, and congregations may protect abusers while ostracizing victims (FFRF.org, 1988).
One notable case involved a Pentecostal youth pastor in Texas, Rob Shiflet, who was convicted in 2021 of sexually assaulting two girls on church youth trips. A 2019 investigation by Denton Bible Church revealed that Shiflet had abused 14 girls across two churches, exploiting his role in a theologically conservative environment where such abuse often goes unaddressed (Newsweek, December 9, 2022). Similarly, in 2010, the Archdiocese of Baltimore reported allegations against Father John Wielebski, a former Trinitarian priest who served in several parishes, including some with Pentecostal affiliations, for sexual misconduct in the 1980s (Archdiocese of Baltimore, 2023). These cases highlight a recurring theme: abusers often thrive in environments where their spiritual authority is unquestioned, and their claims of holiness provide a veneer of trustworthiness.
Pentecostal leaders frequently emphasize their spiritual purity, claiming to be “filled with the Holy Spirit” and living by the Bible’s teachings. They often preach about moral absolutes, speaking in tongues, and experiencing divine encounters, which can elevate their status in the eyes of their congregations. Yet, this self-proclaimed holiness starkly contrasts with their actions when they prey on children. The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding notes that in theologically conservative churches, where trust in leaders is high and protective measures may be lacking, abusers find it easier to groom victims (CPYU.org, 2018). This dynamic creates a perfect storm for abuse, as the very communities that claim to be the most “Bible-believing” become breeding grounds for exploitation.
Jesus’ Words on Harming Children: A Condemnation of Hypocrisy
The actions of Solarte and other Pentecostal abusers stand in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus, particularly His stern warnings about harming children. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus declares, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (NIV). This vivid imagery underscores the severity of exploiting or harming a child, especially one who trusts in Christ. Jesus’ words are a direct rebuke to those who, under the guise of spiritual leadership, betray the innocence of the vulnerable.
The hypocrisy of Pentecostal abusers like Solarte is glaring. They claim to be vessels of the Holy Spirit, preaching sermons about righteousness and holiness, yet their actions reveal a profound moral failure. The FFRF highlights how church teachings of “forgiveness” can be misused to protect abusers at the expense of victims, further compounding the harm (FFRF.org, 1988). Solarte’s alleged use of the phrase “we only live once” to justify his abuse mocks the biblical call to holiness and betrays the trust of his congregation. Such behavior not only violates the ethical standards of Christianity but also desecrates the sacred role of a pastor, who is meant to shepherd and protect the flock, not prey on it.
The Hypocrisy of Pentecostals: A Call for Accountability
The cases of Yersson David Solarte, Rob Shiflet, and others reveal a deep hypocrisy within some Pentecostal circles. These leaders often position themselves as moral exemplars, claiming to be guided by the Holy Spirit and devoted to biblical truth, yet their actions directly contradict their professed beliefs. The Bible calls for leaders to be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2), a standard that Solarte and others have grievously failed to meet. Their abuse of power not only harms their victims but also undermines the credibility of the Church as a whole, alienating those who seek genuine spiritual guidance.
The Pentecostal emphasis on spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues and divine healing, can create an environment where leaders are seen as untouchable, anointed figures. This perception often discourages victims from coming forward, as they fear disbelief or retribution, as noted in the FFRF report (FFRF.org, 1988). Moreover, the culture of forgiveness within these communities can lead to abusers being quietly reassigned rather than held accountable, a pattern seen in various denominations (The Guardian, 2016). This systemic failure to protect children reveals a disconnect between the Pentecostal claim of being “Spirit-filled” and the reality of unchecked sin within their ranks.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Reform
The arrest of Yersson David Solarte is a grim reminder of the ongoing crisis of child sexual abuse within religious communities, including Pentecostal churches. His actions, along with those of other abusers like Rob Shiflet, expose a troubling hypocrisy: leaders who claim to be holy, filled with the Holy Spirit, and devoted to the Bible, yet exploit their positions to harm the innocent. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6 serves as a sobering indictment of such behavior, calling for justice and protection for the vulnerable.
The Church must confront this hypocrisy head-on by implementing robust safeguards, holding abusers accountable, and prioritizing the voices of victims over the reputations of leaders. Congregations should demand transparency and reject the culture of blind obedience that enables abuse. As believers, we must heed Jesus’ call to protect “these little ones,” ensuring that the Church becomes a true sanctuary—not a hunting ground—for the most vulnerable among us.
Sources:
- People.com, “Pastor Is Accused of Sexually Assaulting 2 Girls at a Florida Church,” May 10, 2025.
- Miami Herald, “Pastor Molested Girls in His Church Office: Florida Police,” May 9, 2025.
- DNYuz.com, “Accused Pedophile Pastor Allegedly Sexually Assaulted 2 Girls at Florida Church,” May 10, 2025.
- Sanford Police Department, Media Release, May 8, 2025.
- Orlando Sentinel, “Former Sanford Pastor Arrested in Virginia, Charged with Sex Crimes,” May 8, 2025.
- Freedom From Religion Foundation, “Betrayal of Trust: Clergy Abuse of Children,” 1988.
- Newsweek, “10 Texas Pastors Have Been Charged with Sexually Abusing Children This Year,” December 9, 2022.
- Archdiocese of Baltimore, “List of Priests and Brothers Accused of Child Sexual Abuse,” 2023.
- The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, “Youth Ministry… Addressing The Sad Reality of Sexual Abuse,” 2018.
- The Guardian, “He Was a Monster: How Priest Child Abuse Tore Apart Pennsylvania Towns,” 2016.
- The Holy Bible, New International Version, Matthew 18:6, 1 Timothy 3:2.
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Pastor molested girls in his church office: Florida police | Miami Herald
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