Sacred Scandal

My Cultura and iHeartPodcasts

SEASON 2: La Luz del Mundo

Sacred Scandal, named one of Podtrac’s Best New Podcasts of 2022, embarks on its second season, focusing on Mexico-based megachurch La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World). It tells the story of Naasón Joaquín García, a self-proclaimed apostle, who is currently behind bars after pleading guilty in June 2022 of sexually abusing girls from his congregation. Naasón is currently serving a nearly 17-year sentence, but maintains his innocence.

Host and investigative journalist Roberta Garza explores Naasón's control over a multitude of devotees, some of whom now describe their experiences in the church as "pure evil." In this true-crime series, survivors share stories about this powerful religious leader and the alleged sexual abuse that followed, many relating to minors.

SEASON 1:

Two decades ago on a calm, dark Miami night, a nun was stabbed nearly 100 times on the grounds of a prestigious private academy and monastery, by student Mykhaylo Kofel. As investigators started asking questions around this Byzantine Catholic School and the gruesome murder, they found more than just her killer. In a search for answers that stretches into some of the most remote villages of Eastern Europe, they uncovered allegations of sexual abuse, secret letters to the Vatican and other mysteries of faith. Sacred Scandal unravels the fuller picture that came to light in the wake of this crime. Led by a former student, told by those who lived through the aftermath, and Kofel himself, the show pieces together a complicated narrative that, twenty years later, still has those closest to it questioning what they truly believe… including a man who’s spent half his life in prison for the crime: “It’s so unbelievable. It definitely wasn’t me. I’m not a killer. No way. That’s not me.” — Mykhaylo Kofel, 2021

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Our Editor's Take

Crime can happen in even the most unexpected of places. My Cultura Network's Sacred Scandal explores shocking offenses committed within the religious community. From disturbing murders to startling secrets, this true crime podcast uncovers the details.

Each season of Sacred Scandal focuses on one high-profile case. In Season one, the audience joined Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley as they examined the Kendale Lakes Convent Murder. This case focuses on the murder of sister Michelle Lewis, a nun from the Holy Cross Academy in Miami, Florida. Barros and Bartley speak with Mykhaylo Kofel, Lewis' killer, to reveal his side of events. The story behind this Catholic school crime contains details that may shock listeners.

The second season explores the story of La Luz del Mundo in Mexico. This case, which was also the subject of HBO's Unveiled, focuses on the crimes of Naasón Joaquín García. The police arrested García in 2019 for sexual abuse. What followed was a four-year trial exposing the surprising details behind his church. Roberta Garza serves as the host of the season. She uses her abilities as a journalist to tell the story in an insightful and intriguing way.

Sacred Scandal provides perspectives on these true crime stories that are distinctive. Not only do listeners hear from witnesses, but they also have hosts suited for each case. For instance, Paula Barros attended Holy Cross Academy during Michelle Lewis' murder. This history with the school inspired Barros and Melanie Bartley to investigate and share their findings. Such a personal connection is what gives the show its voice. It is a podcast that goes beyond a simple retelling to reveal how these events affect the lives of others.

Fans of true crime may find Sacred Scandal to be a fascinating listen. This podcast focuses on exposing the facts. By the end of each season, listeners may gain insights and a unique perspective on each new case explored.

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Play Trailer
Introducing: Sacred Scandal
Nov 29 2021
Introducing: Sacred Scandal
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 2

Introducing: Sacred Scandal: La Luz del Mundo
May 18 2023
Introducing: Sacred Scandal: La Luz del Mundo
Sacred Scandal, named one of Podtrac’s Best New Podcasts of 2022, embarks on its second season, focusing on Mexico-based megachurch La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World). It tells the story of Naasón Joaquín García, a self-proclaimed apostle, who is currently behind bars after pleading guilty in June 2022 of sexually abusing girls from his congregation. Naasón is currently serving a nearly 17-year sentence, but maintains his innocence. Host and investigative journalist Roberta Garza explores Naasón's control over a multitude of devotees, some of whom now describe their experiences in the church as "pure evil." In this true-crime series, survivors share stories about this powerful religious leader and the alleged sexual abuse that followed, many relating to minors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz del Mundo: The Fall of The Apostle
May 25 2023
La Luz del Mundo: The Fall of The Apostle
Discover the stunning downfall of the leader of religious organization "La Luz del Mundo," Naasón Joaquín García. Join us as we explore the shocking events that rocked the religious organization "La Luz del Mundo" when its leader, Naasón Joaquín García, celebrated his 50th birthday at Mexico City's prestigious cultural center, only to be arrested weeks later on charges of heinous crimes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz del Mundo: Left for Dead
Jun 1 2023
La Luz del Mundo: Left for Dead
Moises Padilla was brutally attacked, stabbed 68 times after denouncing the heinous crimes committed by the religious group called La Luz del Mundo It was in 1998 when Moises Padilla was brutally attacked, stabbed 68 times after denouncing the heinous crimes committed by the religious group called La Luz del Mundo, the largest cult on earth which, after decades of abuse, has recently come to light.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: The Election
Jun 8 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: The Election
We delve into the remarkable expansion of LLDM under the leadership of its second Apostle, Samuel Joaquín García, and trace the origins of LLDM back to its founding Apostle, Aaron Joaquín. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: The Apostle's Obsession
Jun 15 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: The Apostle's Obsession
We meet Sochil Martin, the whistleblower who played a pivotal role in the downfall of Naasón Joaquín García. Sochil takes us on a journey through her childhood as a faithful member of the church and the dark tasks she was asked to perform as part of her service to the apostle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: Silence of the Lamb
Jun 22 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: Silence of the Lamb
A woman is shot dead in Guadalajara. There are multiple witnesses. Security camera footage. But no one comes forward and the case remains unsolved. We look at LLDM's deep connections with the police, and their hush-hush operations.LLDM's longstanding connections with influential figures and politicians have helped them evade accountability time and again, but as public scrutiny intensifies, will justice finally be served? In this episode, we explore the extent of LLDM's power and influence, and the growing calls for accountability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: The Vestals
Jun 29 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: The Vestals
The Mexican Press calls them “The Vestals” -   a group of women inside LLDM with an unholy task: to  groom young boys and girls for the Apostle. Alondra Ocampo’s road to hell on earth began when she was 8 years old. While her parents went to the temple, she went to the kid’s room, unknowingly entering a world of abuse that would continue for over thirty years. A path through the life of both a victim and a vestal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: The Groomers Handbook
Jul 6 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: The Groomers Handbook
Where does the victim end and the perpetrator begin? The story of Alondra Ocampo, Naason's confidant and also a survivor. To understand how Alondra Ocampo: the victim, became Alondra Ocampo: the predator – we take a closer look at the inner workings of the cult - the tight control, the constant fear, the guilt and shame, the psychological manipulation - that is life inside La Luz Del Mundo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: Show Me The Money
Jul 13 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: Show Me The Money
The leaders of LLDM, known as the "royal family," preach about austerity and sacrifice to their followers, but behind the scenes, they live in opulence with luxurious mansions and private zoos. The question remains: where is all this wealth coming from, and what is the true source of the church's financial power? In this episode, we dive into the finances of LLDM and uncover the secrets behind their lavish lifestyle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: The Life and Death of Karem Leon
Jul 20 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: The Life and Death of Karem Leon
We dive into the life of Karem León to better understand what LLDM has in store for those that dare to push against the church’s airtight defenses.In 1997, Moises Padilla, Amparo Aguilar and Karem Leon spoke out against La Luz del Mundo, but their accusations were ignored, leading to devastating consequences for the victims. When members leave the cult, there’s ongoing trauma. In the case of Karem de Leon – who faced constant threats from the organization – that led to her tragic death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: The Jane Does
Jul 27 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: The Jane Does
The counts against Naason are plenty.  The Accusations are damning!  And finally, after countless postponements, the five Jane Does get ready to face their abuser in court. But nothing goes as planned.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: A Deal With The Devil
Aug 3 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: A Deal With The Devil
Through the perspective of whistleblower Sochil Martin and the emergence of an online forum, we delve into the intricate web of events that led to the downfall of Naason Joaquin, the leader of the controversial religious organization La Luz del Mundo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
La Luz Del Mundo: Finding The Force Within
Aug 10 2023
La Luz Del Mundo: Finding The Force Within
Leaving a high control group isn’t as simple as walking out through the front door. A cult is not simply a physical location, it’s a lifestyle, a belief system, a community and a state of mind.So is it possible to know if the preacher, the yoga guru, or the beloved politician you, or a loved one, are so taken with, is really a narcissistic psychopath cult leader in disguise? In this episode, we attempt to highlight some of the signs, that can signal the red flags.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 1

Introducing: Sacred Scandal
Nov 29 2021
Introducing: Sacred Scandal
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Murder at Holy Cross
Dec 20 2021
A Murder at Holy Cross
At a monastery in Miami, a nun is found dead in her room just before Sunday Mass. With more than 90 stab wounds, the search for her brutal killer begins.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The School on Sunset
Dec 27 2021
The School on Sunset
Twenty years before the murder at Holy Cross Academy, two struggling priests find one another in South Florida. As they build out their utopia, some are awed by their vision, while others start to question their methods.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Confessional
Jan 3 2022
The Confessional
As detectives start to narrow in on the murder suspect, an unexpected guest arrives at the homicide office. And startling allegations against the monastery change the course of the investigation.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 1
Jan 17 2022
The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 1
In the mid-1990s, a devoutly religious Ukrainian teenager is offered the chance to escape a violent household, for a life-changing opportunity at a Florida monastery. But swapping the hardships of his rural mountain village, for the promise of a better future in America, ends up far worse than his expectations.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley  A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 2
Jan 24 2022
The Boy from Verkhovyna-Bystra pt. 2
Now in Miami, the monastic candidates of Holy Cross Academy start to realise that life there isn’t exactly what the priests promised. And one of those monks reveals how a dark secret kept inside the monastery put him on a path to prison.Wanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley A Production of EXILE Content Studio Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A New Investigation
Jan 31 2022
A New Investigation
Mykhaylo Kofel’s accusations against the priests of Holy Cross Academy turned what appeared to be an open-and-shut murder case on it’s head. Those allegations would send both the prosecution and defence teams halfway around the world looking for the truth, and put the monastery on high alert.Hosted by Paula Barros and Melanie Bartley A Production of EXILE Content StudioWanna get in touch? Email us at hello@sacredscandalpodcast.com or follow us on Instagram @SacredScandal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.