UPDATE: A Morgan Hill jury has just acquitted Brett Bymaster, 49, a former youth pastor, of all charges in a high-profile sexual abuse case that captivated the local community. After lengthy deliberations, jurors returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on 10 felony counts, marking a significant moment in a trial that has raised serious questions about youth safety in religious organizations.
The verdict was reached on October 25, 2023, in a courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott. Initially, the jury was split 11-to-1 on nine of the counts, but they ultimately found insufficient evidence to convict Bymaster on any of the charges, as reported by The Mercury News.
This case stemmed from an investigation launched by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force in April 2024, following allegations linked to Bymaster’s role in youth ministry. Controversy erupted after a series of internal church reviews by the River Church Community, which had faced scrutiny over its handling of previous complaints.
“The jury’s decision highlights the complexities surrounding this sensitive matter,” said Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter, who led the prosecution.
Defense attorneys argued that the allegations were fabricated by a small faction of influential church families aiming to exert pressure on the congregation. Claims surfaced regarding a potential $2.1 million settlement demand, suggesting that financial motives influenced the accusations. Prosecutors dismissed these theories, asserting that the evidence presented did not satisfy the legal standard required for a conviction.
With Bymaster’s acquittal, he cannot face criminal charges for these incidents again due to double jeopardy protections. However, civil lawsuits remain a possibility, which would operate under a different legal standard of proof. These civil actions could provide a platform for further scrutiny, especially as the community calls for stronger safeguards in youth programs.
The implications of this trial extend beyond Bymaster, igniting a broader dialogue in the South Bay area about the safety and oversight of youth ministries. Families within the congregation have voiced concerns over how previous complaints were managed, and church leaders have acknowledged significant oversight issues.
The River Church Community is currently undergoing a third-party review to address these concerns. As community leaders and congregants demand transparency and accountability, the fallout from this case is likely to continue.
This acquittal marks the end of the criminal proceedings for Bymaster, but the local discourse surrounding youth safety and church accountability is only beginning. As more information comes to light regarding potential civil lawsuits or ongoing investigations, the community remains on alert.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and as the community navigates the implications of this landmark verdict.
