Aliso Viejo Youth Pastor Denies Molesting Boys at Church Events

A youth pastor for an Aliso Viejo church pleaded not guilty today to charges of sexually assaulting five boys at church-related events.

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.

The defendant 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.

McDade’s attorney, Jorge Ledezma, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

City News Service