'Apostle Tito,' Ormond Beach ministry member convicted of sex trafficking

'En Fuego for Jesus' members took minors to other states to engage in sex acts

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – A jury found an Ormond Beach minister, called "Apostle Tito" by his followers, and another ministry member guilty of sex trafficking of a minor.

Luis Morales, 58, was accused of sexually molesting several children who are members of his religious organization, En Fuego for Jesus. Rebecca Rivera, 27, was one of his "prophets" in the ministry, according to the state attorney's office.

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According to the state attorney's office, in November 2009, Morales and Rivera transported a 12-year-old minor, who was also a member of the ministry, from Florida to Connecticut knowing that the minor would be caused to engage in a sex act. 

In December 2010, Morales transported another minor, age 13, who was also a member of the ministry from Arizona to Florida, and then to the Virgin Islands, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor.

Morales and Rivera have been found guilty of one count of sex trafficking of a minor and two counts of transporting a minor over state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Morales also was convicted of three counts of transporting a minor over state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.

Morales and Rivera each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.  Their sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2013. 


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