Arizona Cult leader Indicted for Failing to Report Multiple Claims of Child Sex Abuse

 An Arizona pastor has been indicted in connection with failing to report two cases of child sex abuse that occurred years ago. Isaac Noriega, 82, allegedly learned that two children were abused by members within his congregation but did not inform authorities.

Noriega serves as the lead pastor of Golden Dawn Tabernacle Church in Tucson, Arizona. He was charged earlier this month with two counts of false reports of child abuse, one a felony count and one a misdemeanor.

Noriega’s charges follow the April arrest of Jose Mora, a congregant at the church. Mora faces three counts of sexual conduct with a minor under 15 and five counts of molestation of a child, court records report. The alleged abuses occurred between 2009 and 2012.

Both Mora and Noriega’s arrests stem from a year-long investigation into the church by the Arizona Daily Star and Lee Enterprises Public Service that was published in November 2024.

According to the investigation, Noriega admitted that he knew or brushed aside at least one instance of alleged sexual abuse by congregants, including Mora. Noriega did not report any of the abuse claims to the police.

AZ Pastor Indicted for Failing to Report Claims of Child Sex Abuse

Tucson church a controlling 'cult within a cult,' ex-members say

Tucson pastor creates 'cult within a cult,' ex-members say

• Members must attend all three services per week, two on Sunday and one on Wednesday, each usually lasting at least two hours, and sit in assigned seats.
• Members must tithe at least 10 percent of all the money they receive and are also expected to donate when collection is taken at each service.
• Members must consult the pastor on personal decisions, such as whether to get medical care or make a significant purchase.
• Members may not use the Internet or watch TV or movies.
• Members must minimize contact with “worldly” people from outside their congregation.
• Women must not cut their hair, must wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their arms and legs and must not wear makeup.
• Education outside the church’s home-school tutoring program is discouraged.
• The pastor heavily influences marriage pairings within the church's insular community.