URGENT UPDATE: A jury in Morgan Hill has just acquitted Brett Bymaster, a former youth pastor, of 10 felony sexual abuse counts in a high-stakes trial that gripped local communities. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday by a Santa Clara County jury, concluded lengthy deliberations and ended with unanimous not guilty findings on all charges.
The trial, which unfolded in a Morgan Hill courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott, saw jurors initially split 11-to-1 on nine counts before ultimately delivering a decisive verdict. This dramatic turn of events has left many in the community reeling, as the implications of the case extend far beyond the courtroom.
The investigation into Bymaster began in April 2024 when the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force uncovered allegations of misconduct linked to his role in youth ministry. Initially facing six felony charges, additional counts emerged as the case progressed, reflecting a growing concern about safety in local youth programs.
Throughout the trial, Bymaster maintained his innocence, and his defense painted the allegations as the result of a conspiracy by a small group of church families seeking to pressure the congregation. The defense highlighted a purported settlement demand of approximately $2.1 million, which they claimed fueled the accusations against him.
The River Church Community, where Bymaster served, initiated internal reviews following earlier complaints, raising questions about their oversight and management of youth programs. Church leaders acknowledged previous failures and engaged a third-party investigator to address the community’s concerns. The case has ignited broader discussions in the South Bay about the safety and supervision of youth activities.
Following the jury’s decision, Bymaster’s legal troubles are not entirely over. While he cannot be retried on the same charges due to double jeopardy protections, civil lawsuits may still loom on the horizon. These potential actions could proceed under a lower burden of proof, complicating the situation further for all parties involved.
As the community grapples with the fallout from this case, calls for enhanced safeguards in local faith-based youth programs are intensifying. Responses from civic leaders and church congregants reflect an urgent need for transparency and accountability.
What’s Next: The acquittal marks a significant moment for Bymaster, but the church’s ongoing third-party investigation and community demands for reform signal that this story is far from over. Any forthcoming civil lawsuits will likely emerge from the shadows, bringing additional scrutiny to the River Church Community and its leadership.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. The community’s response and any new revelations will be closely monitored in the coming days.
