Crime & Safety
Former Monrovia Pastor Accused Of Molesting Teen: Report
A 35-year-old has filed a lawsuit against Hope Unlimited Church in Monrovia, alleging he was abused as a teen by the church's former pastor.
MONROVIA, CA — A 35-year-old man is suing Hope Unlimited Church in Monrovia, alleging he was sexually abused as a teenager by the church's former lead pastor, Robert J. Spina, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
The man is suing Spina, the church, and its umbrella corporation, Robert Spina International Inc., the paper reported.
He claims Spina groomed him as a 13-year-old in 2000, with the pastor sending him sexual text messages and inviting him to watch pornography in his home, according to the Tribune. The inappropriate relationship eventually turned physical and went on for several years.
Find out what's happening in Monroviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Spin allegedly confessed to the man's parents about the relationship in 2018, the Tribune reported.
Visit the San Gabriel Valley Tribune website to read more about the lawsuit.
Find out what's happening in Monroviawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.