NEAB Reacts to Arrest of Rev. Hernandez on Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

The National Evangelical Association of Belize (NEAB) has expressed shock and sadness following the arrest of its president, Rev. Victor Hernandez, on charges of sexual crimes. In an official statement, the association said, “Situations like this are extremely serious and violate God’s Biblical standards for leadership, as well as NEAB’s Code of Ethics.”  A

Rev. Hernandez has been immediately removed from NEAB’s Executive Leadership while the investigation is ongoing. Rev. Launcelott Lewis has taken over as interim president.

The 65-year-old pastor, who leads the Toledo Faith Outreach Christian Center, was arraigned earlier this week on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was granted bail of $10,000 with one surety of the same amount.

Hernandez is accused by a 38-year-old woman who alleges that he raped her twice—once in August 2015 and again in March 2016. According to reports, one of the incidents took place at a store that Hernandez formerly owned. The victim did not come forward earlier, citing fear, shame, trauma, and a desire to protect her family.

In addition to the rape charges, Hernandez faces a sexual assault charge from a 2021 incident in which he allegedly grabbed the woman’s breast.

NEAB urged police to conduct a thorough investigation and confirmed that the victim is receiving support from a licensed trauma therapist and family members.