Honk News (Fort Worth, TX) – A jury in Tarrant County has granted $124 million to a woman who alleged sexual abuse by her former pastor.
In 2017, Jose Francisco Bernal faced arrest and charges related to the ongoing sexual abuse of two minors associated with his church in Fort Worth.
Bernal previously served as the pastor at Tabernacle of Life Pentecostal Church.
Authorities have revealed that two adult women have stepped forward to disclose that the purported sexual assaults took place during their childhood in Hurst from 2007 to 2013.
A mistrial was declared in 2022 after the jury in a criminal trial failed to reach a verdict. The charges against Bernal were ultimately dismissed by prosecutors.
A civil lawsuit was filed by one of the victims against Bernal in 2019, culminating in this week’s verdict.
Jurors concluded that Bernal was guilty of assault, sexual abuse, and sexual assault against the woman. It was concluded that his actions were driven by malice, resulting in significant emotional distress for her.
She received a staggering $124 million in compensation, which includes $11 million for past mental suffering, $20 million for anticipated future distress, and $93 million as punitive damages.
The church was also identified by the victim in her lawsuit. The church reached a settlement, agreeing to pay her $100,000 and transfer the deed to its property.
Bob Washington, representing the victim at the Noteboom Law Firm, asserts that the significant ruling in this case conveys a strong warning to all church leaders who engage in the abuse of children.