September 3, 2025

Church Elder Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges

News Summary

Michael Robert Maxwell, a church elder from Redeemer Church, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of sexual assault against a minor. The allegations include 18 felonies related to assaults on a teenage girl over a ten-year period. In response, church leadership has removed him from his position and is cooperating with authorities during an ongoing investigation. A town hall meeting is scheduled for the congregation to address concerns and support abuse survivors.

Newport Beach – A church elder from Redeemer Church of Orange County, Michael Robert Maxwell, 42, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of sexual assault against a minor. The charges include 18 felonies related to the alleged sexual assaults of a teenage girl that reportedly occurred over a span of 10 years, starting in 2011 and extending through 2018.

Maxwell was arraigned on August 19, where he did not enter a plea. A follow-up arraignment is scheduled for September 12 at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. The assaults are said to have taken place at Maxwell’s home, and investigators have clarified that they did not occur during church services or related events.

In response to these allegations, Senior Pastor Josh Hahne of Redeemer Church has informed the congregation of Maxwell’s removal from his position as an elder, stating that he will no longer hold any leadership roles within the church. Additionally, Maxwell has been suspended from participating in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Pastor Hahne disclosed that during a meeting with Maxwell, while he did not admit guilt, he acknowledged the credibility of the allegations made against him. The church community is reportedly concerned that Maxwell’s position and influence within the congregation may have placed other individuals at risk, prompting fears of additional victims.

Following the reporting of the allegations to authorities this month, the Irvine police launched an investigation into Maxwell’s actions. In a bid to gather more information, they have released his photo and are actively seeking the public’s assistance regarding any further details or potential victims. As the investigation continues, community members have been urged to come forward if they have any relevant information.

In an effort to address the serious nature of these accusations and provide support for abuse survivors, Redeemer Church has enlisted the help of Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) to conduct an independent audit of the church’s policies and practices related to abuse. This initiative reflects the church’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its congregation.

A town hall meeting has been scheduled for August 24, where church leaders will discuss the situation with the congregation, providing a platform for addressing their concerns and offering support to survivors of abuse. This meeting aims to foster an open dialogue about the issues at hand and assure the faithful that steps are being taken to address the situation effectively and compassionately.

The situation has garnered attention due to the nature of the allegations and the role Maxwell held within the community. The church has expressed its unwavering commitment to supporting abuse victims while ensuring accountability for any abusers. The ongoing investigation and community efforts are directed towards safeguarding the congregation and preventing future incidents.

As the investigation unfolds, the church and local authorities continue to navigate the complexities surrounding the charges against Maxwell, striving to maintain transparency and support for those affected by these troubling allegations.