Madera Pastor Suspected of Molestation

A Madera Children's Pastor is being investigation for molesting children under his care.

Madera County Sheriff's Deputies say 48-year-old Alberto Rodriguez is accused of repeatedly abusing several children under the age of 14, over the last 20 years.

Rodriguez worked at the Valley West Christian Church for nearly 2 years from 2008 to 2010. Robert Leach, the lead pastor at the Church, tells KMPH that all of the sexual abuse allegations have been from within Rodriguez's family, and not from the church's congregation.

Some of those victim's are believed to have been foster children living under the care of Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was arrested earlier this month for the abuse, but since that arrest more witnesses have come forward.

"Based on these new allegations, there is reason to be there could be more victims," says Madera County Sheriff John Anderson. "We are asking the public to please contact our Department if they have any information on Albert Rodriguez, his association with the Foster Care System as well as his association with children through his youth ministry.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call 559-675-7770.