Alleged sexual abuse of minors has been covered up in a Tucson church for decades, an investigation finds. The pastor dismissed allegations, blamed victims and screamed at police.
Emily Hamer
Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team
and Tim Steller
Arizona Daily Star|
Multiple allegations of sexual abuse of minors spanning several decades have been covered up or cast aside by leadership in a Tucson church, a Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team and Arizona Daily Star investigation found.
An aerial view of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle at 301 E. Los Reales Rd. on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Twenty former church members have described the church as a "cult."
Pastor Isaac Noriega, left, preaches to his congregation. The photo is estimated to be from the '80s or '90s. The church's formal and original name is Tabernaculo Emanuel, although most today call it the Golden Dawn Tabernacle.
An aerial view of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle at 301 E. Los Reales Rd. on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Twenty former church members have described the church as a "cult." Some say children in the church are repeatedly put in harms way while allegations of sexual abuse are ignored.
A boy said he was molested repeatedly in the pews of his Tucson church, the Golden Dawn Tabernacle. The church's "cultish rules" kept him sile…
Pastor Isaac Noriega, left, preaches to his congregation. The photo is estimated to be from the '80s or '90s. The church's formal and original name is Tabernaculo Emanuel, although most today call it the Golden Dawn Tabernacle.
An aerial view of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle at 301 E. Los Reales Rd. on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Twenty former church members have described the church as a "cult." Some say children in the church are repeatedly put in harms way while allegations of sexual abuse are ignored.
An aerial view of the Golden Dawn Tabernacle at 301 E. Los Reales Rd. on Sunday, June 30, 2024. Twenty former church members have described the church as a "cult."
