Crime & Safety
Trial Begins for Realtor Accused of Molesting Dana Point Girl
Jury selection is underway in the molestation trial of Branden Shumate, who is accused of molesting girls in Dana Point and Lake Forest.
Jury selection is underway in the case of a 37-year-old son of a church pastor accused of molesting two children in Dana Point and Lake Forest.
Branden Edward Shumate is a former Laguna Niguel resident who was extradited from Hawaii to stand trial in Orange County.
According to the complaint filed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Shumate, a former realtor faces felony charges for allegedly molesting two young girls over the course of several years.
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Shumate is accused of molesting a girl under the age of 14 between 1997 and 1998 and, again, between 2003 and 2005.
He allegedly molested another young girl between 2010 and 2011. Listed as a licensed realtor, Shumate has been in custody at the Orange County Jail since his arrest in 2012. He is being held on $1 million bail.
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Related: Pastor’s Son Charged with Molesting Girl in Dana Point
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