UPDATE: A Morgan Hill jury has acquitted Brett Bymaster, 49, a former San Jose youth pastor, of 10 felony sexual abuse charges after a tense trial that concluded with unanimous not guilty verdicts. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment in a case that has generated significant local concern and scrutiny.
The jury’s decision comes after a lengthy deliberation process, with initial reports indicating a split of 11-to-1 on nine counts before ultimately reaching unanimous verdicts. The trial, presided over by Judge Stuart Scott, saw Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter present the prosecution’s case, which was unable to convince jurors beyond a reasonable doubt.
This high-profile case began in April 2024, when Bymaster was arrested following an investigation by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Initially charged with six felonies, the number of charges grew as more allegations emerged, tied to his work in youth ministry. Reports reveal that the case was fueled by internal church reviews and prior complaints, leading to public outcry regarding the safety protocols at the River Church Community.
Defense attorneys Dana Fite and Renee Hessling argued that the allegations were fabricated by a small group of influential church families, suggesting a conspiracy to pressure the congregation. They further claimed that a demand for a $2.1 million settlement was part of this narrative. The prosecution, however, maintained that the accusations were credible, but the jury ultimately found the evidence insufficient.
The implications of this acquittal are significant. Legally, Bymaster cannot be retried on these charges due to double jeopardy protections, although separate civil lawsuits remain a possibility. Such cases would operate under a different standard of proof and could emerge as the community continues to call for transparency and accountability.
Local families have expressed frustration with how the church handled the initial inquiries, leading to broader conversations about safety in youth programs across the South Bay area. The church has since initiated a third-party review to address these issues and rebuild trust within the community.
As the dust settles from this trial, questions linger about the future of Bymaster and the potential for civil action against him. Any forthcoming lawsuits would unfold on their own timeline, with community advocates urging for stronger safeguards in youth ministry.
The jury’s verdict concludes the criminal aspect of this saga, but the calls for reform and accountability echo throughout the community. As Bymaster’s legal troubles may not yet be over, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of vulnerable youth in local faith-based organizations.
Authorities are now watching closely as the community grapples with the fallout from this case, with all eyes on upcoming developments from ongoing investigations and potential civil filings.
