URGENT UPDATE: A jury in Morgan Hill has acquitted former youth pastor Brett Bymaster, 49, of 10 felony sexual abuse charges after a tense trial that concluded on Wednesday. The verdict, reached after lengthy deliberations, marks a significant turn in a case that has captivated the community and raised urgent questions about youth program safety.
The Santa Clara County jury delivered unanimous not guilty verdicts across all counts, despite initial divisions, with jurors reportedly split 11 to 1 on nine charges before ultimately siding with Bymaster. This dramatic conclusion unfolded in a courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott, as Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter presented the prosecution’s case.
Bymaster’s case stemmed from a 2024 investigation by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which was triggered by reports and internal church reviews. Authorities originally charged him with six felonies, but the number escalated as the investigation revealed deeper concerns connected to his role in youth ministry.
The church, River Church Community, faced scrutiny over its handling of previous complaints, prompting internal reviews and a commitment to transparency. Community members have voiced their discontent over how the church managed the initial inquiries into the allegations, leading to broader discussions on safety in youth programs across the South Bay.
During the trial, Bymaster’s defense attorneys, Dana Fite and Renee Hessling, argued the allegations were fabricated by a small faction of influential families within the church seeking to exert pressure. They highlighted a potential $2.1 million demand for settlement, suggesting financial motives behind the accusations. Prosecutors countered that the evidence presented met the necessary burden of proof, but the jury ultimately disagreed.
With the acquittal, Bymaster cannot be retried for these charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, separate civil lawsuits remain a possibility, which would follow a lower standard of proof. Legal experts note that these potential actions could emerge as the community continues to demand accountability and thorough oversight in local faith organizations.
As the dust settles, Bymaster’s acquittal does not conclude the narrative. The church’s ongoing third-party review and community calls for enhanced safeguards in youth programming underscore the broader implications of this high-profile case. Local leaders and congregants are calling for immediate action to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of youth involved in all church activities.
Stay tuned for updates as further developments unfold in this ongoing story. The community remains on alert for any forthcoming civil actions or official statements regarding the church’s commitments to transparency and safety.
