Despite rape allegations being levelled against South Florida Pastor Yunior Beltres by two young girls aged 9 and 10, his congregants appear to lend their support to him rather than the girls.
According to the 9-year old victim, Beltres raped her repeatedly in June inside his bedroom in front of the older girl, adding that he also touched her breasts with his mouth and his hands.
The 10-year old victim also told investigators that Beltres raped her repeatedly in May inside his bedroom also in front of the younger girl and forced her to perform oral sex on him.
His home is in the 300 block of Northeast 118th Terrace in Miami. The two victims informed authorities of their rape on July 1 although it is unclear if the girls were related to him.
The 54-year old, who hails from the Dominican Republic, is reported to have been with the Columnas de Fuego Evangelical Church or the Evangelistic Ministry of Columns of Fire from the 1990s.
He faces two counts of sexual battery on a minor.
Beltres has reportedly surrendered himself to authorities in the company of his attorney but made no comment, invoking his right to remain silent.
Beltres’ parishioners seem to be giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Rigoberto Pinelas, a church parishioner, said in Spanish: “We want our pastor to know that we support him, that we are praying for him and that the church will not stop because of what is happening.”
