Moreno Valley pastor accused of sexually abusing child: Sheriff’s department

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

A community in Moreno Valley was left shocked following the arrest of a church pastor who was accused of sexually assaulting a child.

David Helbling, 79, of the Blessing Center First Assembly of God church, was arrested last week after the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station received a report of a sexual assault of a child. After serving a search warrant on the 23000 block of Hemlock Avenue, deputies found evidence related to the crime and took Helbling into custody.

The suspect is being held in custody with bail set at $2 million.

“I am speechless. I don’t know what to say,” said Yudy Perez, a Moreno Valley resident. “I would never imagine that we would be living so close to a predator like that. That gives me the chills.”

A member of the congregation told NBC4 the church would not be issuing a statement.

Investigators believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information on the case or who is a victim of Helbling is asked to contact Investigator McCracken at 951-486-6710.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.