LINDSAY (CA)
Visalia Times-Delta [Visalia CA]
January 11, 2022
By Sheyanne N Romero
The victims of a former Tulare County pastor learned their abuser will most likely die in prison.
Gustavo Zamora, 69, of Lindsay, was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison for child molestation. On Oct. 1, Zamora pleaded no contest to six counts of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 and admitted that the crimes occurred against more than one victim — increasing his sentence.
The crimes also involved “substantial sexual conduct,” prosecutors said. Each count is a felony and are considered strike under the state’s Three Strikes law.
“While it may be difficult for some to process such news, especially regarding someone in a position of trust, the bravery of these victims to come forward cannot be understated,” District Attorney Tim Ward said. “Their courage should be an example to anyone who has suffered such abuse.”
The crimes took place between 1984 and 2000, against five girls between 4 and 14 years old. During that time, Zamora was working as a pastor in Lindsay.
In 2000, an “uncharged victim” told his family that Zamora had sexually abused him, prosecutors said. Zamora was confronted with the allegations and disappeared without any warning.
The allegations weren’t reported to law enforcement at that time.
However, between 2004 and 2020, multiple victims came forward to report sexual abuse at the hands of Zamora. A investigation followed and Zamora was eventually found in Lodi, where he was pastoring a church.
Zamora was arrested and brought back to Tulare County to stand trial. In addition to his sentence, Zamora must register as a sex offender.