UPDATE: A jury in Morgan Hill has just acquitted former youth pastor Brett Bymaster, 49, of all 10 felony sexual abuse charges in a highly publicized trial. The verdict was reached after lengthy deliberations and a split jury initially leaning towards conviction.
The jury, deliberating in a Santa Clara County courtroom overseen by Judge Stuart Scott, returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on every count, marking a significant development in this controversial case. According to reports from The Mercury News, jurors were initially divided 11-to-1 on nine of the counts before shifting to a unanimous decision.
This case stems from an investigation launched in April 2024 by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which was triggered by reporting and internal reviews at The River Church Community. Bymaster had consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The allegations against Bymaster came to light after several families within the congregation raised concerns regarding the church’s handling of earlier complaints. In response, church leaders initiated internal reviews, later bringing in third-party investigators amid mounting scrutiny. This situation has sparked broader conversations about safety and oversight in local youth programs.
During the trial, defense attorneys Dana Fite and Renee Hessling argued that the allegations were fabricated by a small group of influential church families aiming to manipulate the congregation. They claimed this narrative was compounded by a demand for an approximately $2.1 million settlement. Prosecutors, however, maintained that the evidence against Bymaster was compelling, but ultimately, the jury found the prosecution failed to meet its burden of proof.
“The state did not meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” stated a juror after the verdict.
Legally, this acquittal means that Bymaster cannot be retried on these same charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, separate civil suits could still emerge, utilizing a different standard of evidence known as “preponderance of the evidence.” Any potential lawsuits would unfold independently of the now-closed criminal case.
As the dust settles from this high-profile trial, the church’s ongoing internal review and community demands for transparency remain critical. Congregants and civic leaders continue to call for enhanced safeguards around youth programming in local faith communities.
The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, highlighting serious concerns about the protection of children in church settings. With Bymaster’s legal troubles behind him, attention now turns to any future civil filings that could arise, as well as ongoing discussions about reform and accountability within the church.
This developing story is likely to prompt further local reporting as community members seek answers. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
