UPDATE: A Morgan Hill jury has just acquitted Brett Bymaster, a former youth pastor from San Jose, of 10 felony sexual abuse counts in a high-profile trial that has captivated the South Bay community. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, comes after lengthy deliberations, with jurors ultimately reaching unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges.
The jury’s decision marks a significant development in a case that has sparked intense discussions about safety in youth programs. Initial reports indicate that jurors were initially divided, with an 11-to-1 split on nine counts before shifting to unanimous decisions across the board, as detailed by The Mercury News.
Bymaster, aged 49, was arrested in April 2024, following an investigation by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force. The case arose from allegations that surfaced during internal church reviews and reporting, and it quickly escalated as prosecutors added felony counts linked to Bymaster’s role in youth ministry.
The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter, faced strong opposition from defense attorneys Dana Fite and Renee Hessling, who argued that allegations were fabricated by influential families within the church seeking to exert pressure. They highlighted a potential $2.1 million settlement demand as evidence of ulterior motives.
Despite the defense’s assertions, the jury ultimately concluded that the state did not meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This acquittal means that Bymaster cannot be retried on these same charges due to double jeopardy protections, although civil cases remain a possibility.
The River Church Community has faced scrutiny for its handling of previous complaints against Bymaster. In response to the allegations, church leaders acknowledged lapses in oversight and initiated a third-party investigation, reflecting a broader community demand for transparency and stronger safeguards in youth programming.
As the criminal proceedings conclude, the focus now shifts to potential civil actions. Such lawsuits would operate under a lower standard of proof, which could lead to different outcomes, as explained by legal experts from Cornell Law School.
For Bymaster, the verdict brings an end to the criminal aspect of this saga, but the ramifications for the church and the community are far from over. Calls for reform and enhanced safety measures in local faith communities continue to resonate as the public seeks assurances regarding the protection of youth.
As the situation evolves, further reporting and any upcoming civil filings are expected to emerge through court records and local news coverage. This case has ignited a critical dialogue about youth safety, accountability, and the responsibilities of faith organizations in safeguarding their communities.
