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- Date: June through September 2008
- Victims: 8 and 10 year old (sibling) Hispanic females
- Suspect: Jose Barrientos, Hispanic male, 52 years old (Unknown whereabouts)
- Charges: 2 counts of Sexual Conduct with a minor, 3 counts of Sexual Abuse, 1 count of Child Molestation
Between the months of June and September 2008, the suspect committed numerous acts of sexual misconduct with the two young female victims.
During this timeframe, the suspect befriended the victim’s family, and moved in with them to gain access to the victims. He earned the trust of the victim’s family by utilizing the poor health of the victim’s father and the family’s religious nature. The suspect passed himself off as a Pastor for their church (Assembly of God) and convinced the family his prayers would help. During the period of victimization, the suspect threatened the girls by saying they would never see their father again if they disobeyed him. The family had suspicions about the suspect because of actions and statements inconsistent with his claim of being a pastor. However, it was not until he left the family that they discovered the victimization.
The investigation revealed there is no record the suspect was ever employed by the Assembly of God church. It is believed he misrepresents himself and convinces churches to let him preach under the guise of being an evangelist. There are however records showing he was a car salesman in Florida and May still be involved in that line of work.
The investigation also revealed the suspect may have lived with many other families related to the church, under the guise of being a pastor, both in the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador over the last several years, or longer. Other states he may have lived in were Florida, Tennessee and Georgia.
Based on facts revealed in the investigation and statements by the victim’s family, it is believed the suspect has had access to young children for years and it is believed he has other victims who have not yet come forward. It is also believed the suspect preys primarily on Hispanic families.
The current whereabouts of the suspect are unknown. Investigators are interested in obtaining more information about Mr. Jose Barrientos. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Phoenix Police detectives at 602-534-3206 or the Child Crimes unit at 602-537-3200.
The current whereabouts of the suspect are unknown. Investigators are interested in obtaining more information about Mr. Jose Barrientos. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Phoenix Police detectives at 602-534-3206 or the Child Crimes unit at 602-537-3200.