News Summary
Michael Robert Maxwell, a 42-year-old elder at Redeemer Church in Orange County, has been charged with 18 felony counts of sexual assault involving a minor. The accusations date back to 2011, with the victim reporting the incidents recently. Church leadership has removed Maxwell and is conducting an audit of their policies on abuse. The police are seeking additional information from the public as the investigation continues. This situation has raised community concerns regarding safeguarding in faith-based organizations.
Newport Beach – A 42-year-old elder at Redeemer Church of Orange County, Michael Robert Maxwell, has been charged with 18 felony counts of sexual assault involving a minor. The charges stem from allegations that the abuse began in 2011 and continued until 2018. The victim, now a teenager, reported the incidents to authorities earlier this month, prompting law enforcement to take action against Maxwell.
Maxwell did not enter a plea during his arraignment held at the Santa Ana jail courtroom. He is scheduled for a follow-up arraignment on September 12 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. The nature of the charges against him includes oral copulation, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and continuous sexual abuse of a child.
In response to the allegations, senior pastor of Redeemer Church, Josh Hahne, swiftly informed the congregation about Maxwell’s removal from his leadership position. Hahne raised concerns about the possibility of other victims, given Maxwell’s influential role within the church community. He emphasized that the alleged abuse did not occur during any church events or services.
As part of the church’s response to the allegations, Maxwell has been suspended from participating in all church activities, including the Lord’s Supper. In an effort to address the situation and ensure the safety of the community, church leadership has engaged the organization Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) to perform an audit of the church’s policies and practices regarding abuse. This initiative aims to improve safety measures and support for potential victims.
Pastor Hahne described his relationship with Maxwell as one of friendship and mentorship, expressing deep shock and grief regarding the allegations against someone he considered a close associate. In light of the situation, the church plans to hold a town hall meeting after services on Sunday for the congregation to discuss the matter further and address any concerns.
The Irvine Police Department is actively seeking additional information from the public. Authorities encourage anyone who may have further details about Maxwell or potential additional victims to contact Detective Vincent Vasquez for assistance. In a bid to identify any more potential victims, law enforcement has also released a photo of Maxwell.
These developments surrounding the allegations against Maxwell have raised significant concern within the local community. The incidents highlighting the potential for abuse within trusted community positions bring attention to the need for vigilance and thorough examination of safeguarding policies in faith-based organizations.
As this situation continues to unfold, further updates are anticipated following the next court hearing scheduled for September 12. The church and the community wait with bated breath as the investigation progresses and the church seeks to reassure its congregation and protect its members.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach Church Addresses Congregation
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse in the United States
- KTLA: Orange County Church Staff Member Arrested
- Google Search: Child Sexual Abuse Law
- FOX LA: Michael Robert Maxwell Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Patch: OC Church Staffer Sexually Assaulted Child
- Google News: Orange County Church Sexual Assault
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
