Aliso Viejo Youth Pastor in Court on Molestation Charges

An Aliso Viejo pastor accused of molesting five boys at church events was scheduled to be in court friday for a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial.

Brandon Ernis Lee McDade, who pleaded not guilty prior  is scheduled for arraignment again on April 18.

Brandon Ernis Lee McDade, 30, of Mission Viejo, has been charged with four counts of lewd acts on a child 14 to 15 and two counts of lewd acts on a minor, all felonies. He also faces two misdemeanor counts of child annoyance and sentencing enhancement allegations for multiple victims. McDade is a youth pastor at Grace Hills Church

He could face up to 30 years to life in prison if convicted at trial.

McDade is accused of molesting the boys while serving as a youth pastor at Grace Hills Church in Aliso Viejo, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

He is accused of molesting the boys on church property, at a movie theater in the area and at a youth church camp in San Bernardino County, according to prosecutors.

City News Service contributed to this report.