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Image: Symbol of Pentecostal flame logo, representing Pentecostal Christianity; via Wikipedia.
Premiere Christian News is reporting that Florida police have charged Mark Vega, senior pastor of Ignite Life Center in Gainesville, with “knowingly and willfully” failing to report child sexual abuse. Vega, 55, is accused of preventing reports of sexual misconduct at his church from reaching law enforcement, according to a complaint filed in Alachua County Circuit Court and first reported by NBC News.
Vega, who once served as chaplain for the New York Yankees, faces a third-degree felony charge. Florida law requires any individual with knowledge of child abuse to report it to authorities. Failure to comply can carry up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The filing follows years of abuse allegations tied to Ignite Life Center’s school and youth camp. Since 2023, three youth leaders, including Vega’s son, have been charged with sexually abusing minors during church activities. Witnesses told police that Vega knew about abuse reports as early as 2019 but insisted he would handle the matter internally instead of reporting to police. According to the complaint, Vega allegedly met with the family of one victim to develop a plan to avoid involving authorities.
At least six alleged victims have filed lawsuits accusing Ignite Life Center and the Florida Multicultural District of negligence in failing to protect children. Survivors’ attorneys argue the church prioritized shielding its leadership over safeguarding young people. A plaintiff’s attorney told NBC News, “Child sexual abuse happens not just because of abusers, but also because of systemic failures that make the abusers feel that it is safe to abuse kids. My clients are encouraged to see that law enforcement is taking their allegations seriously.”
What is Assemblies of God
Ignite Life Center is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, widely considered the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. With more than 450,000 churches and over 88 million adherents globally, the Assemblies of God traces its roots to the early 20th-century Pentecostal revival movement. It is not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention or other Baptist denominations. Instead, it is a separate evangelical Christian tradition that emphasizes baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and a literal interpretation of the Bible.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in a church or religious setting, you are not alone. You may have legal rights to seek justice and compensation for what you endured. Our intake team can confidentially review your case and connect you with an experienced attorney who understands church-related abuse cases. Take the first step today to learn your legal rights.
