Mission Viejo Church Counselor Suspected In Child Molestations

MISSION VIEJO, CA — A Mission Viejo Christian Church camp counselor was arrested on suspicion of molesting an 8-year-old child, according to Irvine Police. Nicholas David Cruz, 19, was arrested and held in lieu of $100,000 bail, on Thursday, according to Orange County Jail records.

Cruz made his initial appearance in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana on three felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor younger than 14, but did not enter a plea. His arraignment was rescheduled to Aug. 16.

Earlier in the week, a mother of an 8-year-old child reported to authorities that Cruz had molested her child during a bus ride home from a summer camp outing in Irvine, Kim Mohr of the Irvine Police Department said.

Further investigation led police to a second 8-year-old victim allegedly molested during a field trip to Buena Park last Thursday, Mohr said.

Cruz has worked at the church since December, 2018, and was working as a part time camp counselor, working with 8- and 9-year-old children at the church, according to Mohr.

Last year, he worked with children ages 5- to 11-years-old.

"He was immediately fired from the church on Thursday," following the event, according to police.

Detectives released Cruz's picture, suspecting that there may be more victims, according to Mohr.

If you suspect your child is a victim of Cruz, or if you have any information on the investigation, please call Detective Mudassar Mahmood at 949-724- 7130 or email mmahmood@cityofirvine.org.

This is a developing report. Please refresh for the latest information.