Youth-pastor trainee linked to Texas megachurch charged with sexual assault of a child

The San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office in Texas says its Criminal Investigation Division arrested Isaias Escobar, 22, of Shepherd, on Sept. 29. He is charged with sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, the San Jacinto News-Times reported on Oct. 7, citing the sheriff's office.

The case began with information from the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office about a call on Aug. 13 in the Tomball area, the sheriff's office said. Detectives opened an investigation after learning the alleged offense took place in San Jacinto County. They learned that the alleged victim, a 16-year-old, had attended an overnight gathering at Escobar's home in Shepherd with other members of a church youth group. Investigators were told that Escobar "was involved with the youth program at Grace the Woodlands and was serving as a youth pastor in training," according to the sheriff's account.

Grace Church in The Woodlands told KHOU 11 that Escobar entered a training program there in 2025 but was not employed by the church and did not hold a position there, The Woodlands Record reported. The church said it dismissed him from the program immediately after learning of the allegation. The girl's mother told KHOU 11 that he served as a youth leader and worship leader at the church.

The sheriff's office said it will not release information that could identify the alleged victim. "All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," it said. Escobar's bond and next court date had not been reported as of Oct. 10.