Riverside Police are seeking assistance from the public in helping identify possible victims of a church volunteer accused of alleged child molestation. At one time he volunteered at a church in Running Springs, according to the Diocese of San Bernardino. (File Photo)
By G. T. Houts
Running Springs, CA -Authorities are seeking possible molestation victims of a 47-year-old church volunteer who had been volunteering at St. Anne in the Mountains Catholic Church in Running Springs and St. Andrew’s Newman Center in Riverside, according to a media advisory issued by the Riverside Police Department.
Rudolph Michael Hernandez (Photo by Riverside Police Department)
The Diocese of San Bernardino has confirmed that Rudolph Michael Hernandez, 47, had volunteered at both churches before his arrest after he allegedly was caught alone with a child in a rest room.
RIVERSIDE POLICE
Detective Everth Bercian from the Riverside Police Department issued a call to possible victims to come forward as authorities continue to build their case against Hernandez.
Individuals with information about Hernandez and the case are encouraged to contact Detective Bercian at (951) 353-7950.
The charges pending against Hernandez include kidnapping to commit sexual offenses and lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, according to Riverside Police.
CATHOLIC DIOCESE
The Catholic Diocese in San Bernardino issued a letter to be read at the churches where Hernandez volunteered. It requests any potential victims to notify police or the diocese,
A statement issued by spokesperson John Andrews reveals that the churches in the diocese were aware of Hernandez’ background and that he was a Registered Sex Offender. The statement indicated that Hernandez was required to sign a “very specific agreement” that he would not volunteer for any ministries involving children, nor could he attend events such as Mass that included a children’s choir.
COURT APPEARANCE
Hernandez posted the $150,000 bail was released from the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside. He was detained at a residence in Riverside last month near Coolidge Street and Mary Avenue.
His next court appearance is Tuesday, March 10, at the Riverside Hall of Justice at 7:30 a.m., according to court documents.
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