Brownwood News – Local Pastor Fernando Hernandez was arrested Friday, July 27th, in Coleman on charges of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child and Indecency With a Child after probable cause affidavits were filed with the Precinct 4 Justice of Peace in Brown County on Wednesday, July 25th. The two affidavits, signed by Texas Ranger Jason Shea, list instances of sexual abuse perpetrated on at least two children, one was seven years old during an alleged incident with Hernandez.
Fernando Hernandez is the pastor of “It’s a Challenge Church” in Brownwood.
According to the documents filed, an investigation began November 23, 2016 when the Brownwood Police Department was advised of a possible sexual assault. During a subsequent interview, the child told investigators Hernandez put his hand down her pants and touched her genitals. The child stated “this happened every time she went to Hernandez’s home,” according to the report. Hernandez also allegedly told the child not to tell anyone or he would go to prison.
On July 18, 2018 another child made an outcry of abuse. In the affidavit, the child reportedly told investigators Hernandez assaulted her by touch and exposed himself, asking the child to touch his genitals. The child’s mother told investigators she had “always wondered why (Child Victim #2) acted strange towards Hernandez.”
The affidavits also report testimony with a member of Hernandez’s family who said they do not leave children alone with Fernando due to past allegations of sexual abuse.
provided by the Coleman County Sheriff’s Office.
Fernando Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Coleman County Jail. He was later released on bonds totaling $50,000.
Authorities believe there may be additional alleged victims and asked that they contact Texas Ranger Shea’s office at 325-641-0746.
