Sentence Expected In Former Pastor's Child Molestation Conviction

LAKE FOREST, CA — Sentencing was expected Friday for a former Lake Forest junior high school youth mentor from a Saddleback Church convicted of child molestation.

Ruven Meulenberg, 33 of Lake Forest, had volunteered with Saddleback Church for more than six years, OCSD said. He was convicted in August after having been found guilty of molesting two juveniles.

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.

Investigators were initially contacted 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 at the time of the investigation. "Both victims indicated they had engaged in inappropriate conduct with the suspect for the past year while he volunteered at the church."

Several alleged incidents of lewd and inappropriate conduct were made, including multiple instances on the church property, according to Lagaret at the time of the former youth pastor's arrest.

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

Orange County Sheriff's Department Photo