Newport Beach Church Staffer Charged with Decade-Long Sexual Abuse of Minor

A 42-year-old staff member from Redeemer Church of Orange County in Newport Beach has been arrested and charged with 18 felony counts, including sexual assault of a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, and continuous sexual abuse. Authorities allege the abuse spanned from 2011 to 2018 and involved a girl related to him.

The suspect, Michael Robert Maxwell, was arraigned in Santa Ana and remains in custody. He is scheduled to appear in Newport Beach’s Harbor Justice Center in September. In response, church leadership announced his immediate removal from his role as elder and suspension from all ministry duties. They also confirmed they are bringing in an independent abuse response organization to review church policies and strengthen protections.

Police have asked anyone with additional information to come forward, raising the possibility of other victims. The case has deeply unsettled the local community and reinforced concerns about safeguarding vulnerable individuals within faith-based organizations.

Read the Original Article: https://patch.com/california/newportbeach/newport-beach-church-staffer-sexually-assaulted-child-he-was-related-decade