DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

An evangelical pastor from Los Alcarrizos was sentenced to ten years in prison on Tuesday, 18 August 2025 after a Santo Domingo court found him guilty of sexually assaulting several little girls and teenagers. Los Alcarrizos is a densely-populated low and middle income area located north of the capital city.

44-year old Johan Manuel Castillo Ortega was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of RD$100,000 to the state and RD$1 million in compensation to his victims.

Castillo Ortega, who preyed on six girls and teenagers, used his position as a religious leader to gain the trust of his victims. The assaults took place in the church where he preached and in his home.

Prosecutors Sugely Valdez, Francheska Alcántara, and Nicasio Pulinario presented evidence that led to the conviction. The prosecution’s case, led by investigator Olivia Sosa, showed that...