TUCSON (AZ)
KVOA-TV [Tucson AZ]
October 27, 2026
By News 4 Tucson
Jose Mora, the man accused of inappropriate contact with children met through Tucson’s Golden Dawn Tabernacle Church, will spend time behind bars after pleading guilty.
Mora was sentenced on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to 10 years in prison. Mora was given credit for more than 500 days served. He must register as a sex offender upon his release. On Sept. 28, More pled guilty to one count of attempted sexual conduct with a minor under 15
The investigation began in October 2023 after detectives identified Mora as a suspect following a review of a news article where he made statements that appeared to confirm his involvement, according to TPD. In January 2025, a second victim came forward, prompting detectives to uncover multiple incidents involving young boys from the congregation.
On April 10, 2025, federal authorities in Eloy informed TPD that Mora was in custody on an unrelated matter. TPD detectives traveled to Eloy, interviewed Mora, and secured an arrest warrant based on gathered evidence.
On April 17, 2025, Mora was transported to the Pima County Jail and booked on five counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual conduct with a minor. The victims, aged 12 to 14 at the time, played a crucial role in the investigation.
Mora pleaded guilty to conduct in 2012. The larger case brought against Mora’s alleged abuse against children occurred between 2004 and 2012.
The Golden Dawn Tabernacle Church on Tucson’s southside was formerly known as Tabernaculo Emanuel.
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TPD’s Child Sexual Assault Unit arrested 82-year-old Pastor Isaac Noriega for failing to report allegations of child molestation within his congregation in connection with Mora’s case. TPD said Noriega was charged with two counts of failure to report neglect of a minor and was booked into the Pima County Jail on June 27, 2025.