New Details Emerge in Case of Texas Pastor Accused of Child Sex Crimes

EDINBURG (TX)
ChurchLeaders [Colorado Springs CO]

September 10, 2026

By Dale Chamberlain

New details have been released regarding the arrest of a pastor accused of child sex crimes. Jorge Gonzalez Martinez of Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria in Edinburg, Texas, was initially arrested in July.

Editor’s note: This article refers to reports of child sex abuse that some readers might find triggering and/or disturbing. 

In July, Martinez, 49, was taken into custody at his church after an alleged victim came forward to report incidents that she said took place between March and April of 2025. A police report revealed that a child told someone at the church that Martinez had touched her inappropriately several times. After the incident was reported to the girl’s father, the father took it to authorities.

Martinez was charged with three counts of indecency with a child (sexual contact) and one count of indecency with a child (exposure). All four charges are felonies.

In August, Martinez was again arrested and additionally charged with child grooming.

A newly released affidavit reveals new details regarding Martinez’s alleged crimes. 

One alleged victim said that she was volunteering as a camera operator for a live sermon recording on a Monday night. At some point in the evening, Martinez began making comments about his difficult childhood and asking the alleged victim for a hug. The girl said that Martinez made her feel selfish for not wanting to give him multiple hugs. 

The girl said that the hugs turned into “body-to-body contact.” She alleged that during the hugs, Martinez moved his hands down to her upper thighs and kissed her face. 

Another girl has accused Martinez of similar behavior while she was at the church. The girl described an incident that occurred in May, when she was at the church and needed a ride home. The girl said that Martinez’s wife offered her a ride home but that Martinez’s wife said she would take the girl home after running some errands. The girl said Martinez’s wife left her alone with Martinez at the church to run those errands. 

RELATED: Kansas Pastor, 70, Charged With Child Sex Crimes and Witness Intimidation

The alleged victim said Martinez then invited her into the church’s camera room to teach her how to work the computer for the church’s livestream. She accused Martinez of putting his arm around her to move the computer’s mouse and telling her that he wanted a hug. The girl claimed that Martinez placed his hands around her neck and his arms around her waist. She alleged that when she resisted physical contact with Martinez and attempted to break away from a hug, Martinez said, “Just a little longer.”

The girl further accused Martinez of instructing her to close her eyes before kissing her on the cheeks and forehead. The girl said that she subsequently fled to hide in the bathroom until Martinez’s wife returned. She said that she delayed reporting the incident out of fear. 

RELATED: California Pastor Accused of Molesting 2 Children, Faces 6 Felony Charges

In another instance, Martinez is accused of touching a victim’s chest after lifting her shirt and bra. He is also accused of having another victim lay on the ground and pulling down her leggings and underwear. In yet another instance, he is accused of placing a victim’s hand on his crotch after asking her if she would like to touch him.  

Following Martinez’s first arrest, bail was initially set at $300,000, but it was later reduced to $70,000. Martinez was released from custody to await trial before being taken back into custody for the additional charge. 

Bail for the new charge was initially set at $100,000 before being reduced to $60,000. Martinez has again been released from custody. 

RELATED: Indiana Church Releases Statement Denouncing Actions of Former Pastor Following Arrest for CSAM

ChurchLeaders has reached out to Iglesia Internacional Poder y Gloria for comment and will update this article in the event of a response.

https://churchleaders.com/news/2222516-jorge-gonzalez-martinez-new-details.html