Geronimo Aguilar
Megachurch founder convicted of sexually assaulting two sisters, ages 11 and 13
Biography
Geronimo 'Pastor G' Aguilar founded the Richmond Outreach Center (ROC) in Richmond, Virginia in 2001. The church was named one of the fastest-growing churches in America and became a prominent megachurch under his leadership.
Aguilar sexually abused two sisters, beginning when they were 11 and 13 years old. The abuse occurred in the 1990s while Aguilar was a pastor at their church in Texas, before he founded the ROC. He surrendered to U.S. Marshals in June 2013 and was extradited to Texas to face felony charges.
A Tarrant County jury convicted Aguilar on all seven counts after less than four hours of deliberation: two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, three counts of sexual assault of a child younger than 17, and two counts of indecency with a child. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison (20 years on the most serious counts, 20 years concurrent on the others). He must serve 20 years before being eligible for parole. His appeal was denied in 2017. The ROC was subsequently renamed Celebration Church and Outreach Ministry.
Biblical Assessment
Every preacher is tested against our 5-point biblical framework. Here's how Geronimo Aguilar measures up:
Title & Authority
Built a megachurch empire after fleeing Texas where he had sexually assaulted children. Founded a new church in a new state to escape his past. His entire pastoral career was built on evading accountability for child sexual abuse.
Scripture:
1 Timothy 3:1-7, Proverbs 28:13, Numbers 32:23
Gospel Message
Preached a gospel of transformation and new beginnings while personally using 'starting over' as a means to escape justice for child sexual assault. His ministry was a cover for a fugitive from accountability.
Scripture:
Romans 2:21-24, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Matthew 7:21-23
Fruit & Lifestyle
Convicted on all seven counts: two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, three counts of sexual assault of a child under 17, and two counts of indecency with a child. Victims were two sisters, ages 11 and 13. Sentenced to 40 years in prison. Jury deliberated less than four hours.
Scripture:
Matthew 18:6, Matthew 7:15-20, Galatians 6:7-8
Revelation vs. Scripture
Used charismatic authority and the language of 'anointing' to build a massive following at the ROC while concealing his history of child sexual abuse in Texas.
Scripture:
2 Peter 2:1-3, Jeremiah 23:21-22, 1 John 4:1
Finances & Transparency
Built a megachurch generating substantial revenue while hiding a criminal past. The ROC's resources and platform were built on deception from its founding.
Scripture:
2 Peter 2:3, 1 Timothy 6:10, 2 Corinthians 8:21
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & References
All assessments are based on verifiable, publicly available sources:
- •WTVR: 'Former Richmond pastor Geronimo Aguilar sentenced to 40 years for sexually abusing children' (October 2015) — wtvr.com
- •Christian Post: 'Former ROC Church pastor who ran tax-free harem found guilty of multiple sex crimes' (October 2015) — christianpost.com
- •WTVR: 'Court shoots down Pastor G's appeal of child sex abuse convictions' (April 2017) — wtvr.com
- •Richmond Free Press: 'Geronimo Aguilar gets 40 years' (October 2015) — richmondfreepress.com
- •Tarrant County, Texas court records
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Assessment Summary
Geronimo Aguilar teaches doctrine or practices that deviate from Scripture. Exercise caution and discernment.
Listen Instead To:
These teachers demonstrate biblical faithfulness:
- Paul WasherBold preacher of repentance and holiness
- John MacArthurExpositor and defender of biblical inerrancy
- RC SproulReformed theologian who taught the holiness of God to millions (1939-2017)
Our Method
Every assessment uses our 5-point biblical framework. Learn how to test any teacher against Scripture.
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