If you have been following local news, you have likely seen the stories of a former Magnolia, Texas pastor who showed up at the police station to come clean about sexually assaulting several teenage boys that had been left in his charge. Michael Romero (now age 51) was a youth pastor at Magnolia First Baptist Church from 2002 to 2012.
On January 23, 2023, he turned himself in to the police and admitted to having inappropriately touched several teenage members of the congregation while on youth group retreats, overnights at Christian church camps, and outings at a lake house. He has been charged with one count of indecency with a child from 2004 so far but additional charges are likely forthcoming since he admitted to others and the police indicate that 4 or 5 victims have already been identified.
Michael Romero Cannot Hide Behind the Statute of Limitations
In Texas, there is no criminal statute of limitations for the crimes of sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. From a civil liability standpoint, sexual assault against a child and indecency with a child have a 30-year civil statute of limitations that does not even begin to run until the victim turns 18. Thus, Romero can be prosecuted criminally to the fullest and held civilly liable to the fullest for his conduct.
Possible Other Victims
The Montgomery County Police welcome any information from other victims or persons with knowledge. Since some of the events took place outside of Montgomery County, other police departments will be interested in this matter as well. After leaving the church in Magnolia, he continued to work with youth in Texas and in Oklahoma and would often go by the name “Taco.” There is a possibility that other victims at other places where he worked are yet to be discovered.
Sexual Abuse Claims
If you have been the victim of a sexual assault at the hands of a youth pastor or other person who abused their position of authority, you may have an institutionalized sexual assault claim. Talk to a sexual assault lawyer to determine your rights today.
Author
