EDINBURG (TX)
ValleyCentral.com [Harlingen, TX]
August 25, 2026
By Shirley Escobedo
An Edinburg pastor who has been charged with indecency with a child is now facing child grooming charges, according to a spokesperson from the city of Edinburg.
Jorge Gonzalez Martinez, 49, of Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria, appeared before a judge on Tuesday.
Martinez was charged with two counts of child grooming, a third-degree felony. An Edinburg spokesperson said the case allegedly involves two separate juvenile victims.
A judge set Martinez’s bail at $100,000.
Martinez was released from Hidalgo County jail on Aug. 6 in connection with an indecency with a child charge. Bail was initially set at $300,000 but was later reduced to $70,000, according to Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios.
A police report was filed in July after a girl told someone at the church that Pastor Martinez had touched her inappropriately several times. That person told a parent, who then reported the incident to the girl’s father.
‘Began by giving her hugs’: Edinburg pastor accused of inappropriately touching girl at church
The girl reported that the alleged abuse began when Martinez started giving her hugs, which turned into tighter hugs with body contact.
‘Began by giving her hugs’: Edinburg pastor accused of inappropriately touching girl at church
Edinburg police Chief Jaime Ayala previously said the department released information about Martinez’s arrest because there may have been other victims.
Edinburg police encourage anyone with additional information or potential victims to contact police at (956) 289-7700 or Edinburg Crime Stoppers at (956) 383-8477.