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In October 2023, the Tucson Police Department received an allegation of multiple child molestation incidents that occurred in 2012. Detectives from the Child Sexual Assault Unit initiated an investigation and identified a suspect who had met the victim through Golden Dawn Tabernacle, formerly known as Tabernaculo Emanuel, a church on Tucson’s Southside attended by both the suspect and the victim’s family.
As part of the investigation, detectives reviewed a news article published by the Arizona Daily Star focusing on the church and possible child abuse. The article included an interview with the suspect, during which he made statements that appeared to confirm his involvement in TPD’s investigation. Detectives used this information to further the investigation and attempted to locate and interview the suspect. The investigation remained active as detectives continued to gather evidence. In January 2025, a second victim came forward and provided a statement. As the investigation expanded, detectives identified multiple incidents of inappropriate contact between the suspect and young boys from the congregation, occurring between 2004 and 2012.
On April 10, 2025, federal authorities informed TPD that the suspect was in their custody on an unrelated matter in Eloy, Arizona. TPD detectives traveled to Eloy and interviewed the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Jose Mora. Based on the evidence and statements obtained during the investigation, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Mora. On April 17, 2025, TPD detectives took custody of Jose Mora and transported him to the Pima County Jail, where he was booked on five counts of Child Molestation and three counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor. The victims, who were between the ages of 12 and 14 at the time of the offenses, provided critical information that contributed significantly to the case.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are anticipated. Detectives are asking anyone with information, or individuals who may have been affected, to contact 88-CRIME or the TPD Child Sexual Assault Unit at 520-791-4652.
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