Hercules: Former Valley Bible Church youth pastor arrested on suspicion of molesting girls

By David Debolt
Contra Costa Times
December 19, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/zuyzl58

HERCULES -- A former Valley Bible Church youth pastor and John Swett High School volunteer football coach has been arrested on suspicion of molesting two girls, the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office said.

After a two-month investigation, Pinole resident Gabriel Lopez was booked into County Jail in Martinez on Dec. 10 on six felony counts of child molestation, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said the 34-year-old worked from July 2011 to March 2015 as an "at will" youth pastor at the Hercules-based church, which was founded in 1971. The victims, both female juveniles, participated in the Valley Bible Church Student Ministry, officials said.

They also previously attended school in the John Swett Unified School District, the Sheriff's Office said. Lopez worked as a volunteer coach for John Swett High's football team. He is in custody on $520,000 bail.

Detectives believe there may be more youths victimized by Lopez and are asking anyone with information on the case to call the sheriff's investigation division at 925-313-2654. To remain anonymous, email tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592.