Saddleback Church Mentor Arrested On Suspicion Of Molestation

LAKE FOREST, CA — A Lake Forest junior high school youth mentor from a Saddleback Church was arrested Thursday on suspicion of having inappropriate relations with two juveniles, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail investigators said.

Ruven Meulenberg, a 32-year-old Lake Forest resident, had volunteered with Saddleback Church for more than six years, OCSD said.

Known professionally as Ruben Meulenberg, he is a well-known figure in the region's Christian community. Muelenberg is a co-creator of a biblical video game with his twin brother and has amassed a following, according to social media.

Patch has reached out to Saddleback Church for comment, but it has not yet responded.

Investigators were contacted on Wednesday, May 24, regarding a call that alleged the Saddleback Church youth mentor had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old boy.

"During the course of the investigation, a second victim, another 14-year-old boy, was identified," OCSD Lt. Lane Lagaret said. "Both victims indicated they had engaged in inappropriate conduct with the suspect for the past year while he volunteered at the church."

There have been several alleged incidents of lewd and inappropriate conduct, including multiple instances on the church property, according to Lagaret.

One of the victims attended Saddleback Church and was part of the Junior High Ministry program when the lewd acts occurred, he said.

Investigators arrested Meulenberg on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child.

"He was booked into Orange County Jail and is being held on $100,000 bail," Lagaret said. "He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 30."

"Based on the allegations, the suspect’s leadership role and access to children, investigators believe there may be additional victims," Lagaret said.

Anyone with information regarding additional victims is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victim’s Detail at (714) 647-7418 or (714) 647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

Orange County Sheriff's Department Photo