Fugitive N.J. Preacher Wanted On Molestation Charges Found In Honduras: Prosecutor

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Authorities have apprehended a fugitive preacher from New Jersey convicted of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2015, prosecutors say.

According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, on Aug. 16, local authorities in Honduras apprehended Gregorio Martinez, 48, a former pastor and deacon at multiple churches in Hudson County.

The arrest was the result of an 18-month search and investigation between the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and multiple federal agencies that followed a “money trail” to find Martinez, authorities said.

In February, a jury convicted Martinez of aggravated criminal sexual contact, child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child after he allegedly committed the offenses against a 13-year-old male parishioner of his church.

During the trial, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office filed additional sexual assault charges against Martinez for allegedly sexually assaulting three 19-year-old males who he had been giving “spiritual counseling,” authorities said.

After being released on $250,000 bail, Martinez failed to appear for a pre-sentencing review weeks later.

Hudson County prosecutors said that they would be "exploring all options" to return Martinez to New Jersey, where he would face sentencing for the molestation conviction as well as charges related to the three other teens’ accusations.

Martinez has served as a deacon at Third Bethesda Pentecostal Church in Union City and a co-pastor of Elohim Christian Church in Jersey City, NJ.com reported.

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