LANCASTER – A 31-year-old Desert Christian Schools employee accused of molesting two young girls at Grace Chapel’s Sunday church services in Lancaster has pleaded no contest.
Jonathan Michael Macy entered the plea Friday to one count of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14 and admitted the special allegation of more than one victim. A no contest plea has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.
Macy is expected to be sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, according to the terms of the negotiated plea.
The plea deal was struck as prosecutors were readying to file six more felony sex charges against Macy involving at least four additional victims, Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami said in court Friday.
Hatami explained that both sides, with approval from Macy’s victims and their families, agreed to the plea deal to protect the victims from further emotional trauma.
“The young girls didn’t want testify [in open court],” Hatami said.
The two victims that triggered the case against Macy are 11 and 12 years old, and both knew Macy through his work at Grace Chapel Church, according to detectives from the Sheriff Department’s Special Victims Bureau.
Macy was an employee at Desert Christian Schools and also worked at Grace Chapel Church, which is located on the school’s campus in Lancaster, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
On Aug. 5, detectives began investigating an allegation of child molestation against Macy, and over the course of the investigation, a second victim was identified. Both incidents happened within the last year at Grace Chapel’s Sunday church services, detectives said.
Macy was arrested Aug. 13, and two days later he pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.
During the investigation, detectives served a search warrant at Macy’s home, which turned up more potential criminal charges against Macy, Hatami said.
“There was evidence of a crime on his computer,” Hatami said.
Additional investigation by the Sheriff Department’s Special Victims Bureau uncovered four more victims, who said Macy molested them at Grace Chapel during church worship services. Three of the additional victims were between the ages of 11 and 13 when the alleged molestation occurred within the last year, Hatami said. The fourth additional victim, now 18 years old, told detectives that Macy molested her about three years ago, Hatami said.
The additional victims and their parents wanted minimal involvement in the case, Hatami said, and therefore the plea agreement was determined to be the best solution for all affected.
“The potential is going to be state prison for the rest of his life,” Hatami said.
Officials at Desert Christian Schools issued a statement Friday in response to Macy’s court outcome.
“Desert Christian Schools recently learned of Mr. Jonathan Macy’s agreement of a plea deal with the Los Angeles District Attorney and we are pleased that this painful saga is being resolved quickly,” said Executive Director Cecil Swetland in the press statement. “We want to thank law enforcement for their efforts in handling this situation.”
Swetland said Desert Christian Schools held two information meetings regarding the incident, and law enforcement was present at both meetings to advise parents of the situation. Pastoral and clinical counselors have provided guidance on how parents can address the issues with their children, Swetland said in the statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in this tragic series of events,” Swetland stated.
In addition to working at Desert Christian Schools and Grace Chapel Church, Macy was a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s School and Grace Lutheran School.
After pleading no contest to the felony sex charge and admitting the special allegation Friday, Macy was ordered held without bail. He is due back in court on October 14, when a judge is expected to approve his 15-years-to-life state prison sentence.
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Editor’s note re: Macy’s employment at Grace Chapel: We contacted Grace Chapel Church via telephone and we were routed to an office assistant who asked not to be named. The worker said that Jonathan Macy was not a Youth Pastor, as stated by the District Attorney’s office. The worker then claimed that Macy was not on staff at Grace Chapel Church. When questioned further, the worker said Macy worked as a part-time custodian before abruptly ending the call.
UPDATED @ 3:30 p.m., 9/12/14: According to a statement, emailed by Grace Chapel’s Executive Administrative Assistant, Jill Tanner: “It has come to our attention that the District Attorney’s office identified Jonathan Macy as a former Youth Pastor at GC. At no time has Mr. Macy served as a pastor at our church or at any other church. We are not sure where they have obtained that info but it is incorrect.”
Tanner also emailed a formal press statement from Grace Chapel, issued in response to Macy’s court outcome. Read that statement here.
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Previous related stories:
Desert Christian School employee pleads not guilty to molesting children at church
Lancaster man arrested for allegedly molesting children at church
A Nanny Mouse says
This is why my kids go to Pinecrest. It’s isn’t the first time it’s happened at DCS.
John says
This scum bag probably received his training on how to be a child molester from the Catholic Church!
Desiree says
I went to your church only once and I never returned. The pastor cried so ridiculously – it was SO fake. You are kidding yourself if you think there are not “Child predators” at your church too. They are everywhere. My mom always taught me that when a man wants to be around kids all the time, those are the ones you need to keep your kids away from. Sadly, you can’t trust a soul in this world anymore. Predators seek children in
1. Churches
2. Sports
3. Classrooms
4. And the majority of children molested in a family are molested by either a step dad or a male relative; grandfather, uncle, etc.
I am not here of offend any church. I believe in God and I can tell you that though I have failed him over and over again, HE has never failed me. The “Pastor’s” have failed me greatly. But you can’t trust a “Church” a “Pastor” or any member in the congregation with your children. You still have to use common sense to protect your children. If your kids are too young to speak, make sure there are NO men left with them, not even a teacher. Are women capable of molesting? Of course. But statics do prove that the majority are men. Pornography is so rampant, everyone has hand held phones, the porn is right in the palm of their hands. It’s make humans sexually sick. It isn’t getting any better – it’s getting worse. We can’t blame the pastor for what this man did. I am sure the pastor trusted him as a human being. I am sure he had friends at the church. Are the friends to blame too? I don’t think the pastor was his only friend. The only person to blame for what happened is the predator. It was said that this guy had no criminal record. The fingerprinting was done to protect such acts but in this case, this guy had not been caught. This is his first arrest. When I was a young girl, I was molested by an uncle. I never blamed myself. When I was young, I didn’t understand what was going on. But as I got older, I remembered the molestations. And I was convinced from early on that my uncle was sick, not me. I am grateful for this because many girls blame themselves and it destroys their lives. THE ONLY PERSON RESPONSBILE FOR THIS CRIME IS THE PREDITOR HIMSELF. As unfortunate as this entire situation is, he will be punished for his crime. My uncle never was. Parents, just protect your kids. Don’t leave them alone at games. Walk into the classroom and or Sunday school service just to make sure they are okay. Do your part as a parent. You can’t protect everyone but you sure can protect your own. I hope the victims heal from this. And I can’t say it enough!! Parents, teach your kids to TELL. Go over roll play. My son is 19 and I still give him the “Boy Scout” talk. He gets mad but I do not care.
Ray says
This church is more concerned about carrying out the will of the Lancaster mayor than protecting its flock. They put local politics above the real needs of people. Instead of doing political hit mailers for Parris, they should focus on doing the Lord’s work.
Be Honest says
I can’t believe DCS and GC are lying to the public. It’s amazing how things change in job titles when your facing a HUGE liability suit. I never saw a mop in Macy’s hands. If he was a janitor then why was he always around the kids? In a school setting the janitor is rarley seen. Usually when the classes are empty is when a janitor completes their duties.
Stop lying to cover yourselfs from poor decisions that have been made that are going have sever financial repercussions. Let’s focus on the victims DSC/GC. You can pleade your case to the jury. The public, that knows the truth, doesn’t care hear your desperate pleas of ‘it’s not our fault’. Yes it is.
That Girl says
I agree 100%. My son used to go to DCS and he came home several times telling us that the “janitor” was his substitute teacher. What kind of school grabs the janitor to sit in and teach a class? I was paying close to $500 a month for that. I am so glad I got the hell out of there. They lie about everything and its happening right under the noses of the people keeping them in business.
Explain It says
The church did a background check and they guy came up clean. Please explain how they made “poor decisions”.
Unless someone has a tattoo on their forehead that says “child molester” then the only recourse ANY employer has is the background check.
Don't Judge says
Desert Christian previously had Mr. Macy employed as a custodian. That means he was responsible for ground maintenance and facility repairs. This is separate from the janitorial services that are provided. He had a degree in music and yes, did also work as a substitute on the rare occasion.
The school has been very honest and open with the entire proceeding. They took immediate action as soon as they were made aware of the investigations. Our school families as well as Grace Chapel families have been impacted by these crimes, which are every parent’s worst nightmare!
Bashing the school or the church will not bring any comfort to the victims that were violated.
IRay says
Again, perhaps if church leadership at DCMA and GC spent less time carrying the political water of the mayor by organizing surveys designed to take down Johnathan Ervin, and more time doing the Lord’s work, more attention would be paid to watching the wolves among the sheep.
William says
How come praying before council meetings and having “In God We Trust” over Rex’s shoulder in his ‘Christian community’ didn’t keep the ‘devil’ away from Lancaster?
The irony is breathtaking.
Your turn, church lady.
David says
His parents (family) will now be pressured to either reject their son or be rejected. They are the newest victims in this tragedy. They will be treated as criminals by our system of corrections. If this young man has a girlfriend who wishes to visit him, she will probably receive advances from prison guards at visiting. Sorry, but this happens all the time. Truly good people can make the difference.
Anna. says
@4justice
It shows that you also are a person who judge people by the w a y they look , speak and there financial status !!! I don’t have to give explanations to you but before you speak do your homework…… I did not say anything about DCS as it is unfair to speak when you know nothing about that school. I w as talking about Grace Chapel ( most of there employees and especially there Senior Pastor) they are Rude and I say it again are. Hypocrites. They treat people according to there ow n terms . They only like people who listen to them. They have there ow n way of running that church. The Macys were led to do lot of church work and Jonathan- played a Ma jor role in the Sunday school !!! His parents call them selfs Christians but are very very opinionated among people and call everybody sinners .they do not love people the w a y Christ wants them to love people.i stopped going to this church when I felt that God loves everybody equally . I go to Central Christian now . I am not saying I am a Saint but know that I am a human being who makes mistakes and Jesus loves me and there are some amazing people in this church who make you feel worthy.
I do not know you and will not judge you! Maybe you have seen things in a different point. You truly might be a nice person but trust me My family was treated well or welcomed here.
Anna says
@4justice
correction : my family was not treated eq ually or welcomed.
Tragic says
My brothers and sisters in Christ, please stop this bickering and arguing with people here. Jesus Christ is perfectly capable of defending his church, and I fear that more harm is being done than good. Let’s just keep loving God and loving people and let Christ take care of the reputation of the church.
No longer have the blinders on, i can see clearly now says
Is your church’s God really capable of defending the church??….get real!!….you are all so conditioned and brainwashed!…Where was God in defending these young girls and the families who go to this church?? Why was he not big enough to defend and protect and prevent this from hapoening???….if God is so loving, big and powerfull why does he allow Innocent children be hurt? Let God do allow bad things to only happen to pre existing naturally bad people….sex offenders, drug dealers, rapist and murderers. Those people chose to be scum. Telk your god to stop picking on the innocent!…..and no one wants to hear the lame Christians response of ” Gid has his reasons, we just have to trust him”….PUKE! what the hell is that.
soapbox journal says
sad state our society is in.
Geeze says
I was told by numerous staff that he was the youth Pastor there. I never ever saw him work in the capasity of a janitor ever. He was however all over the youth evens grooming teen girls with no supervision. He was also sent on numerous volunteer outings on behalf of Grace Chapel. It is possible for good intention church leaders to miss the signs of a child preditor i guess byt thats why safety precautions should have been in place and werent. He had full access to youth without supervision. My concern is why Desert Christian didnt inform Grace Chapel of the accusation of molestation a year prior involving another victim that led to him being transfered to work at the High School, or did they? I’m glad someone finally spoke out and stopped this man from hurting more children.
Soledad says
This is crazy, my children attended there, and he was no custodian, he was a volunteer to grace chapel, I thought that still a part of church staff, I don’t like because now I see smart people getting away with lies, yeah he plead guilty but some don’t sound right, if you apart of volunteers you is a part of staff group to me. Now it feels like no one deal with this guy, I saw he was very evolved with many of church activities, but I guess when you become useless to people they show their true self to you :/
Blinded by Power says
Grace Chapel…….oh yes, now I remember. That’s the church whose pastor sent out that ridiculous survey for Rex’s hit mailer….the survey that was designed to maked Johnathan Ervin look bad, and the mailer that called Ervin the gang candidate and was considered racist. Glad to see they’re doing Rex’s, er, the Lord’s work over there. Praise Rex!
Ray says
There was another “pastor” involved in that survey. I wish that those churches, both in Lancaster by the way, would be more involved in ministry and less involved in Lancaster politics. History shows what happens to the church when it focuses on politics and not its mission.
lfluty says
I agree. I formerly attended this church and the legalism was very stressful for me. I did not like the way certain things were handled with another family’s son who was struggling with substance abuse. We moved away and I have no desire to return to visit. I knew Jonathan and his family well. We cared for them very much. My heart breaks for them and for Jonathan as well. They will be in our prayers.
WOW says
If the Catholics can do it why nota custodian
John says
Well said!
Wake Up says
People get so busy trying to vilify Grace Chapel or Desert Christian School. Perhaps what everyone should be focused on are the victims. Those kids got a life sentence. Pray for them and stop the mud slinging and useless finger pointing.
bird says
Wake Up—You don’t get it, this isn’t about mud slinging and useless finger pointing. You better start pointing some fingers and then doing a whole lot more! This is not what Jesus Christ had in mind for His church. It’s not about Grace Chapel or Desert Christian School, or the leadership trying to minimize their part and separating themselves from this. Jesus Christ is the foundation, and you better start doing what He Commands. If your there is sickness (sin) that needs to be addressed, you better all come together and take responsibility, repent for falling short in watching and protecting your children, instead of playing the blame game. You’re just as guilty as Mr. Macy!
q says
That was very wrong to say. The only person responsible for what happened is Macy himself! He did this not the children’s parents. When you drop your child of at something like that you expect them to be in good care. You dont expect something like sexual assault to happen! This didnt happen during the parents care it happened at in class!!!!!
bird says
What difference does it make, whether he was a youth pastor or worked as a custodian! Mr. Macy was able to molest children at Grace Chapel for years. Stop trying to minimize ! The Leadership is responsible for what happened! Yes Mr. Macy committed these horrible, vile acts, but I know there is something very dysfunctional about Christ’s church when this sin goes without notice for years! It is completely unacceptable. The damage that is done is devastating, and carries on for many years.
ganome says
How can you say it was the churches fault? Child molesters are crafty and devious. They get away with it for years because the threaten the children with hurting their parents or siblings. I know this from personal experience. So before you blame others you need to know what you are talking about. I am positive if the church knew they would have done something sooner.
bird says
ganome I do know what I am talking about, and I also know from personal experience. This hits home for me and I know people need to stop turning a blind eye. Yes molesters are crafty and that is why the leaders and the congregation need to keep a watchful eye continuously. Jesus Christ being the foundation of the Church, requires us to protect our children in a place that is suppose to be safe. This particular sin is rampant in our fallen world, but should not be happening within the body of Christ.
John says
A child molester living in the AV!!?? How unusual,,,,, do you think there might be more?? Wow what a mind blower!
FRED says
Please change your report. Macy was NOT on staff at Grace Chapel. Your sharing this ignorant assumption is irresponsible reporting and lowers AV Times to yellow journalism status.
Correct it. I would hope the Grace Chapel lawyers are looking in to your error and potential refusal to retract and will take the appropriate action.
Letlow says
If Jon Macy was not on staff at Grace Chapel why did Grace Chapel conduct a background check as mentioned in their media statement? I’m not buying it one bit! If anyone actually believed you that Jon Macy was not on staff at Grace Chapel, then that makes what he did all the more worst! This means the irresponsible careless staff at Grace Chapel actually allowed some man to creep into church services and be alone with innocent children under Grace Chapel’s care in order to molest them. If Jon Macy wasn’t a staff member, WHY WAS HE ALLOWED BY GRACE CHAPEL TO BE ALONE WITH THE CHILDREN THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE WATCHING DURING SUNDAY SERVICE??? Shame on Grace Chapel!!
Wake Up says
Let him in? It’s a church you idiot! Anyone can go to church. No one from that church “allowed” anything to happen. Stop blaming ANYONE but the child molester.
Sadly these monsters are everywhere in our society. You do your best to conduct the most thorough background check possible, but until they get caught nothing will show in a background check.
Letlow says
Don’t twist my words. I never said anything about letting him in. I said why was he allowed TO BE ALONE with the kids. If this happened during church services and these kids are 11 and 12 then WHERE WAS GRACE CHAPEL STAFF when they were supposed to be looking after the children? WHO WAS WATCHING THE KIDS?! If Jon Macy wasn’t working there, why was he allowed free reign with the kids? Were the kids allowed to supervise themselves? If not, WHERE WAS THE CHURCH SUPERVISOR when Jon Macy was molesting these kids and robbing them of there innocence. How about you address that! It is a legitimate concern that I’m sure many parents would like to know.
FRED says
“This means the irresponsible careless staff at Grace Chapel actually allowed some man to creep into church services and be alone with innocent children under Grace Chapel’s care in order to molest them.”
If that doesn’t say “let him in”…
You owe “Wake Up” an apology. He didn’t twist your words, he just restated them.
Ganome says
Churches do background checks and finger prints. If he passed then why wouldn’t the church leave him unsupervised. What is every church in the world going to do? Watch every man alone with children because he “might” be a child molester? That would be prejudiced against all men.
Scott says
Shame on you for jumping to conclusions and judging the church prematurely without having the facts. In a desire to take every precaution available for the safety of our children, every volunteer that wants to help with the children must have a background check completed before they can be in any help/volunteer role. As someone who attends Grace with my wife and children for over 10 years I applaud the staff for all they do to take care of our church families.
Letlow says
Sooooo that means Jon Macy was left alone with the kids at Grace Chapel church service because he was a volunteer and not a staff member? Well why couldn’t they just say that in the media statement. Jon Macy was a volunteer. Very simple. Why all the secrecy? Why does some random person answering the phone think Jon Macy is the janitor? LOL! And if Jon Macy was just a volunteer at the church, how come nobody tapped the DA on the shoulder to let him know? Why is the DA saying Jon Macy worked at Grace Chapel? Why all the confusion? Are things that helter-skelter at this church that they can’t clarify the difference between a worker and a volunteer up to yet? I still smell a rat! Smh…
FRED says
Your first sentence is not logical. And the fact that the DA called him a “youth pastor” makes it so? Has the DA ever been wrong? If never wrong, why is it they don’t have a 100% conviction rate?
Too bad you can’t see past your rat smelling nose to consider the veracity of facts from people who are closely involved in this situation.
FRED says
Letlow…anyone who applies for a volunteer position at Grace Chapel is run through a background check. Macy’s fingerprints were clean as he had never been arrested, booked, or convicted of a crime prior to this plea. So it would be impossible to weed out people without a conviction. They simply didn’t know or even suspect Macy was inclined to do these horrendous acts to innocents. No one at Grace Chapel claims to be a clairvoyant, so it is humanly impossible to know how someone will act short of prior record. And Jonathan never openly exhibited these behaviors before. Thank God those young girls reported his acts and their bravery culminated in Jonathan getting the punishment his acts deserve.
You really need to think through what you are saying, as it was not Grace Chapel’s fault, but wholly Johathan Macy’s fault.
Get Real says
Fred,
You are correct. I don’t attend GC, it’s not my cup of tea. However, I am greatly disturbed by the bizarre attacks on this church. They did nothing wrong. The fault is with the animal who sexually targeted children.
It makes me sad and angry to read the posts where people focus on trying to attack GC rather than focusing on the victims of this crime.
Ashley says
it’s the kids who suffered, and that is the worst part, but grace chapel staff has changed, they are arragont and have hurt my family, God wants to bring light to the darkness. That church needs to practice humility for others, money got the best of them, sorry to say that!
Anna says
I agree with Ashley!
KCat says
All volunteers at Grace have a background check.
bird says
FRED—What! Now you have Grace Chapel lawyers looking in to it! There is nothing Biblical about this entire vile, filthy, polluted mess. You’re turning on the AV Times for yellow journalism? Turn your eyes back where the real responsibility goes, right within Grace Chapel walls, and the school. Don’t you know that Grace Chapel, it’s school and whoever else is involved can’t put a spin on this evil sin, in God’s eyes. Take responsibility Grace Chapel, and your school, repent and then start cleaning The Holy One’s House.
bird says
Actually I misspoke, there is a lot in the Old Testament Covenant, and New Testament Covenant about suing. We are already defeated if it goes that far. In Jesus most Holy name, we as Christians better start turning things around, and stop getting in His way.
4Justice says
I agree with your comments! Thank You!
Don't Touch Me There says
Hmmm. No contest. Same plea as the failed journalist/self proclaimed scribe/crossing guard/current Parris lackey who does his master’s bidding on the blogs. Creepiness is alive and well.
Wash says
Yeah, he was never a youth pastor, he was a helper but never was in any kind of pastoral position.
Carolina Sonner says
You need to fact check!!!! He was never a youth pastor at Grace Chapel. Please print a retraction immediately.
The AV Times Staff says
That information came from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. See here:
http://da.lacounty.gov/mr/pdf/091214_Lancaster_Youth_Pastor_Pleads_to_Molesting_Children.pdf
If we can confirm with Grace Chapel that the information is incorrect, we will remove it.
FRED says
Since that information was corrected by Jill Tanner, why haven’t you removed the article like you said you would? Lots of people will draw a conclusion from the first few paragraphs of your article that Grace Chapel hires perverts. And this makes it completely irresponsible on your part. “If we can confirm with Grace Chapel that the information is incorrect, we will remove it.” Your words. The article is still there.
The AV Times Staff says
Jill Tanner stated, “At no time has Mr. Macy served as a pastor at our church or at any other church.” Therefore, we have removed the reference to Mr. Macy as a “Youth Pastor” at Grace Chapel. Jill Tanner did not address whether or not Mr. Macy was on the staff at Grace Chapel. Should any Grace Chapel Church official contact us to clarify Mr. Macy’s position at the church, we will certainly update the article. Clarifications can be made by emailing editor@www.theavtimes.com.
FRED says
Thanks for removing the reference “youth pastor” from your article. He was a part time custodian at Desert Christian School. I could speculate on other tasks he volunteered for at Grace Chapel, but I will not share in ignorance. I do know he was a part time custodian at DCS.
bird says
FRED—Every word that comes out of your mouth is making you look worse. Don’t cast blame on others. Take responsibility, as painful as it is.
Get Real says
What exactly is making Fred look worse? Expressing his opinion? Asking for a clarification of facts?
Oh shame, shame on Fred!
bird says
Get Real—No, Fred is not asking for a clarification of the facts. He is trying to rearrange the facts, which really is called lying. But the damage is done and the leaders and the people that should be taking responsibility will continue to separate themselves from what has been done, and it is truly heartbreaking. How can we possibly bring in people with His Holy Word, when these horrible acts are committed within a congregation, and it is rampant.