Church Staff Member Arrested For Alleged Sexual Relationship With Teen Girl

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A 37-year-old staff member of a Christian church in Riverside has been accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Gionatan Ricard Almaraz, who worked at Riverside Apostolic Church, was taken into custody and booked on several felony sex crimes. He has since been released from jail after posting $75,000 bail.

The alleged victim's parent told authorities on Feb. 3 that Almaraz had a sexual relationship the teen, according to Riverside police Sgt. Jeff Spencer.

Detectives believe Almaraz assaulted the girl at the church, where she was also a member.

It's unknown how long the reported relationship lasted.

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