TUCSON (AZ)
KVOA-TV [Tucson AZ]
July 10, 2025
By Chorus Nylander
Former members of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle Church are speaking out after their pastor, Isaac Noriega, was criminally charged for allegedly ignoring years of child abuse within the church.
News 4 Tucson’s sister station Telemundo Arizona spoke with two former church members, News 4 Tucson’s Chief Investigative Reporter Chorus Nylander spoke with another, who all describe a highly controlled environment in the church they believe contributed to the alleged abuse and silence about it.
Joanne Molina, a former member who attended the church for 42 years, expressed her disapproval of the situation.
“The situation is not a good one. It is far from Godly,” Molina said.
Molina has dedicated herself to exposing the church’s leadership for what she claims has been years of child abuse and cover-ups.
“I have heard and seen several cases of child abuse, I’ve heard rumors of child abuse… nothing has ever ever been done about any type of abuse,” Molina said.
After leaving the church, Molina said she has been excommunicated.
“Which means no one from inside Golden Dawn is speaking to me at this time,” she said.
John Calvo, who was born into the church and left around age 20, spoke about the control exerted over members’ lives.
“Every aspect of the church members’ lives are controlled down to where you get educated, to whether you can have a smart phone or internet access, or watch TV or go to school,” Calvo said.
Calvo believes this environment contributed to the alleged abuse.
“Me and my family were fortunate enough to be able to leave,” he said.
Pastor Noriega, 82, is now facing two charges for allegedly turning a blind eye to the abuse of two children.
The charges follow the arrest of church member Jose Mora in April, who was charged with five counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual conduct with a minor. The abuse allegedly occurred between 2004 and 2012, involving children aged 12 to 14.
Former church member Aaron Duenas expressed relief at the legal action being taken.
“I spent years looking up to this man [Noriega], I loved this man he was my pastor. It’s well deserved,” Duenas said.
Pastor Noriega remains out of custody awaiting further prosecution. When contacted by phone, he declined to comment, citing advice from his lawyers. Mora remains behind bars with a $250,000 bond.