A Maryland pastor has been convicted of sexually assaulting a member of his Montgomery County church. Erick Odir Vidal-Fuentes, 39, who led the Iglesia Pentecostal El Fin Viene, was found guilty on Tuesday of second-degree rape and a fourth-degree sex offense. Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy condemned Vidal-Fuentes for exploiting his position of trust within the church community to victimize the parishioner.

The assault took place on September 29, 2020, at the church in Takoma Park. An investigation by the Takoma Park Police Department commenced in June 2021 following the allegations. Vidal-Fuentes was apprehended while leaving the church on August 5, 2021. The identity of the victim has not been disclosed.

Vidal-Fuentes' sentencing is scheduled for October 4, where he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. Furthermore, a second sexual assault case against him, involving another church member who testified in the recent trial, is currently pending.