East Palo Alto Man, A Local Church Pastor, Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Kids: Police

MENLO PARK, CA – A pastor at a Menlo Park church has been arrested on suspicion of multiple sexual assault charges related to both children and adults, police announced Thursday. The man, a resident of East Palo Alto, was allegedly caught after "several" victims came forward.

According to the Menlo Park Police Department, 47-year-old Victor Elizandro Tax-Gomez was arrested Thursday on the following six charges: Sexual Penetration with a foreign object of a juvenile under 16; Sexual Penetration with a foreign object of a juvenile; Sexual Penetration with a foreign object of an adult; Lewd act with a child under 14; Lewd act with a child under 14 and Meet with minor (under 18) with intent to commit lewd act.

"Detectives were alerted to this case after several victims came forward and disclosed inappropriate acts committed by the suspect," police said in a news release.

Tax-Gomez is a pastor at the El Senor Justicia Nuestra Church located on the 1300 block of Chilco Street, according to police. The congregation currently leases space at the existing church building.

Police are now looking for any possible additional victims, as well as anyone who may have information related to this case. You're asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ed Soares at (650) 330-6360, Detective Jeremy Ordone at (650) 330-6357 or the Anonymous Tip Hotline at (650) 330-6395.

Jail booking records indicate that Tax-Gomez was booked at the Maguire Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone