The mother of a girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a San Ramon youth minister says she approached the church's senior pastor months before police arrested him.
Hyo Bin Im, 33, also known as Pastor John Hyobin at the Contra Costa Korean Presbyterian Church in San Ramon, was arrested last Wednesday, police said.
Jason Jeon, a senior pastor at the church, admits the girl's mother did come to him for help, but he would not discuss what she talked to him about.
"Yes, as far as I know, John was helping them," Jeon said. "That much I know."
Im faces felony charges of child concealment, unlawful sexual intercourse and animal cruelty. The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office filed the felony charges against Im on Tuesday.
MORE: Pastor Accused of Sex With Teen, Animal Cruelty
A church member, who did not want to be identified, said she is concerned Jeon didn't step in after the girl's mother contacted him.
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"At this point, can the parents actually trust the pastor when they're sending their kids to the church?" she said.
Investigators determined the alleged victim and her sister were staying with Im at his San Ramon home.
Investigators also discovered evidence that revealed a romantic relationship between Im and one of the sisters. In addition, police said they discovered evidence that the pastor was responsible for severe animal cruelty, resulting in a small dog being euthanized.
Im was arrested and booked into Martinez Detention Facility on Jan. 29. Bail was set at $180,000.
The investigation is ongoing and the San Ramon Police Department is asking for additional information regarding Im. Anyone with information or additional victims may contact Detective Rob Ransom at 925-973-2715.
NBC Bay Area's Terry McSweeney and Bay City News contributed to this report.
