UPDATE: A jury in Morgan Hill has just acquitted former youth pastor Brett Bymaster, 49, of all 10 felony sexual abuse counts following a controversial trial in Santa Clara County. The verdict, announced today, marks the culmination of a case that has sparked intense community discussions about safety in youth programs.
The jury’s decision came after lengthy deliberations and revealed a dramatic shift in their stance. Initially, jurors reported being split 11-to-1 on nine of the counts before ultimately returning unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges. The trial was overseen by Judge Stuart Scott, with the prosecution led by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter.
This case originates from a 2024 investigation initiated by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Bymaster was arrested in April 2024, following complaints that prompted internal church reviews at the River Church Community. Allegations against him were tied to his work in youth ministry, which led to the filing of multiple felony charges.
At trial, defense attorneys Dana Fite and Renee Hessling argued that the accusations were unfounded, alleging they stemmed from a small group of influential church families. They claimed these families were motivated by a desire to pressure the church for a settlement, reportedly around $2.1 million. Although prosecutors dismissed this theory, the jury ultimately found the state’s evidence insufficient to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The implications of this acquittal are profound. Legally, Bymaster cannot be retried for these charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, separate civil lawsuits could still emerge, utilizing a lower standard of proof. These potential actions might address the concerns raised during the criminal proceedings and could unfold under different rules than the criminal case.
Community response has been swift, with calls for stronger safeguards surrounding youth programming in local faith communities. Bymaster’s acquittal does not end scrutiny over the River Church Community, which faces ongoing demands for transparency and internal reviews following earlier complaints. Reports indicate that church leaders have acknowledged past oversight issues and are working with third-party investigators.
As the dust settles on this high-profile case, the impact on the local community remains uncertain. Families within the congregation express a mix of relief and concern, while civic leaders continue to advocate for enhanced safety measures. The situation is far from over, and any future civil filings or revelations from ongoing investigations are likely to keep this story in the spotlight.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and as the community navigates the aftermath of this significant verdict.
