Thornton youth pastor arrested, charged with sex assault on a child
Joshua Lucero, 28, a youth pastor at Word Alive Church, supervised children aged 13 to 18. Police said the incidents happened between July 2017 and July 2020.
Thornton Police arrested a youth pastor on charges of sexually assaulting a child and urged any additional victims to report it to police.
Joshua Lucero, 28, a pastor at Word Alive Church, was taken into custody and charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust – pattern of abuse, according to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the incidents occurred between July 2017 and July 2020 while Lucero was overseeing juveniles aged 13 to 18 as a youth pastor. Detectives believe there may be other victims and are encouraging them to report it to police.
Lucero is being held in the Adams County Jail following his arrest.
“Protecting the vulnerable in our community is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves. “We’re asking anyone with information to come forward so justice can be served.”
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069.
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