BREAKING: A Morgan Hill jury has just acquitted Brett Bymaster, 49, a former youth pastor from San Jose, of 10 felony sexual abuse counts following a tense trial in Santa Clara County. The verdict, announced on Wednesday, concluded lengthy deliberations and resulted in unanimous not guilty findings on all charges.
The jury’s decision, which took place in a courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott, marks a significant moment in a case that has captivated and divided the community. Jurors revealed they were initially split 11-to-1 on nine counts before ultimately reaching a consensus, as reported by The Mercury News.
This case stems from an investigation initiated by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force in April 2024. It followed internal church reviews and reports of alleged misconduct tied to Bymaster’s role in youth ministry. The initial charges consisted of six felonies, but as the investigation progressed, additional allegations emerged, leading to a total of ten counts against him.
In light of the verdict, the River Church Community, from which Bymaster was associated, has faced intense scrutiny. The church initiated internal reviews after receiving earlier complaints and later acknowledged shortcomings in their oversight processes. Community members have voiced concerns about safety and supervision in youth programs, as highlighted by Hoodline.
“The allegations were fabricated by a small group of influential church families,”
defense attorneys Dana Fite and Renee Hessling argued during the trial, claiming that these families were attempting to pressure the congregation. They referenced a demand for a settlement of approximately $2.1 million in their defense. Prosecutors, however, maintained that the evidence against Bymaster was sufficient.
Legally, with the acquittal, Bymaster cannot be retried for the same charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, separate civil cases could still arise, which would operate under a different standard of proof. Such actions are anticipated and could lead to further revelations as they develop.
As the community grapples with the implications of the verdict, demands for transparency and stronger safeguards around youth programming continue to grow. Bymaster’s acquittal concludes the criminal aspect of this saga, but the church’s ongoing third-party review and community pressures indicate that the story is far from over.
As of now, Bymaster’s legal team has not responded to requests for comment, and the fallout from this high-profile case will likely resonate as local reports continue to emerge. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
