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Pastor Is Accused of Sexually Assaulting 2 Girls at a Florida Church — and Allegedly Gave a Chilling Reasoning Behind the Abuse

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Pastor Is Accused of Sexually Assaulting 2 Girls at a Florida Church — and Allegedly Gave a Chilling Reasoning Behind the Abuse


NEED TO KNOW

  • A Florida pastor is accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls on church grounds
  • Yersson Solarte, 33, has been charged with sexual battery of a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation
  • The religious figure allegedly told one of the victims, “We only live once,” per The Miami Herald

A Florida pastor is facing legal trouble after being accused of sexually assaulting two underage girls on church grounds.

Yersson Solarte, 33, was arrested by the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia on Wednesday, May 7, during a coordinated effort with Florida’s Sanford Police Department (SPD). Authorities believe Solarte was on a “family trip” at the time of his arrest. He has since been charged with sexual battery of a minor and lewd and lascivious molestation.

Officials first learned of reports of an alleged “inappropriate relationship” between Solarte and two underage victims on April 10, which led them to launch an investigation, the SPD said in a statement shared on Facebook.

The SPD then claimed that the pastor “did inappropriately touch the victims” and sexually assaulted one of them at Ipul Pentecostal Church — or Iglesia Pentecostal Unida Latinoamericana Orlando Norte — in Sanford.

Both minors were members of the church, and Solarte has since been removed from his position, per the SPD.

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A contact for the Ipul Pentecostal Church did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. As of Saturday, May 10, Solarte’s name remains on the church’s website.

Stock image of police cruiser lights.

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According to an affidavit obtained by The Miami Herald, the first girl reported Solarte days after her most recent incident that allegedly involved him. The girl claimed that the religious figure made her sit on his lap and sexually assaulted her in both his office and the church’s multimedia room.

The outlet also reported, citing police, that the second girl claimed she was abused by Solarte multiple times. The girl alleged that Solarte “expressed his love for her,” before hugging her sister and trying to make her jealous.

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She also claimed that Solarte molested her in his office and during a “juvenile meeting,” and also “forcefully” grabbed her face to kiss her. The girl further alleged that the pastor unzipped his pants and said they were a “couple,” per the Herald.

At one point, the girl claimed that the pastor explained his reasoning behind the reported abuse, allegedly telling her, “We only live once,” the Herald reported, citing investigators.

Police are currently asking those with more information tied to the case to get in touch, as they said there “is a possibility” there are additional victims who haven’t yet come forward about Solarte — who ABC affiliate WPLG reported is a married father.

“People like this are a special class of criminal, who use their position of trust to prey on innocent victims,” Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement. “Solarte is now behind bars where he belongs.”

“We pray there aren’t any additional people who have been victimized by this man. If anyone has information about these crimes, or other victims, come forward and help protect our children,” Smith added.

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The pastor has since been transported to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Florida. It is not immediately clear if he has legal representation to comment on his behalf.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours

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Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours


A massive wildfire in Putnam County in northern Florida left Amtrak passengers stranded on a train for more than 24 hours.

One train heading to New York City was forced to turn around, arriving back in Miami Monday night, including one passenger who said he had been on that train for about 38 hours.

He says he and other passengers were left uncertain about what was going on.

“Angry, confused, uncertain, in the dark,” said John Reardon.

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Reardon, who lives in New York City, says he boarded the train around 7 a.m. Sunday to go back home. He said around 3 p.m. Sunday, the train stopped near Jacksonville.

“Finally, after about 5 hours, they said we’re not going to New York, we’re going back to Miami,” Reardon said. “One stop at a time.”

Amtrak said for the safety of its passengers, the train couldn’t continue going north because of the fire.

“Amtrak sends a notification to the phone saying, ‘Hey, there’s an issue with the wildfire, it’s too close to the railway,’” said passenger Katrinia Wheeler.

Multiple crews are battling multiple fires in two Florida counties, leaving at least 3,000 acres burned. 

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“I saw that there was a lot of smoke coming from the woods, and then I saw the fire trucks and emergency services,” Wheeler said.

The train that left Miami at 7 a.m. on Sunday returned around 9 p.m. on Monday, leaving passengers frustrated.

Amtrak corporate says they made the decision out of safety for their customers and said customers would receive full refunds and vouchers.



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Florida Lottery Fantasy 5, Cash Pop results for April 19, 2026

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Florida Lottery Fantasy 5, Cash Pop results for April 19, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 06-09-19-34-35

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Evening: 08-09-12-25-31

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 19 drawing

Morning: 03

Matinee: 08

Afternoon: 04

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Evening: 01

Late Night: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

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Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 4-0, FB: 3

Evening: 0-6, FB: 6

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 2-9-1, FB: 3

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Evening: 3-7-0, FB: 6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 9-7-8-0, FB: 3

Evening: 3-6-7-8, FB: 6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 3-9-3-5-1, FB: 3

Evening: 1-3-1-8-7, FB: 6

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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South Florida faith leaders call for Miami mental health center to finally open

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South Florida faith leaders call for Miami mental health center to finally open


On Monday, more than 800 faith leaders and community activists from across South Florida, crowded into the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami to demand the Miami Dade County Commission move forward with opening the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery.

“Are we OK with being told to wait when lives are on the line?” said Quanda Dupree, of the St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church. “Or do we believe real accountability means keeping your word? Even when things aren’t guaranteed. We believe our communities deserve more than a delayed response. We deserve action.”

The center – which was promised to voters back in 2004 – would take mentally ill individuals out of the jail and move them into a place where they can receive comprehensive treatment and support. The county has spent more than $50 million renovating the building and two years ago, a pair of non-profit groups were selected to operate the facility while numerous local groups and agencies have pledged their support, including the Homeless Trust. Funding for the first two to three years of the center is already in place.

And yet, the center remains empty – not helping anyone.



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