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Protest Planned at OC Church Embroiled in Child Porn Lawsuits
The protest comes after a second civil lawsuit was filed against Crossline Church in Laguna Hills.
Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:55pm
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A protest is being planned at Crossline Community Church in Laguna Hills, California in response to two civil lawsuits alleging serious sexual misconduct and institutional failures at the church. The lawsuits claim that a former church employee, Jacon Melvin Hart, was convicted in Oregon for a similar offense but was still hired in 2012 to manage the church's audiovisual and computer technology operations, where he allegedly gave two juvenile congregants computers equipped with software that allowed him to secretly record them in their bathrooms.
Why it matters
The allegations against Crossline Church raise serious concerns about the church's failure to protect children and the community's trust in the church's leadership. The planned protest underscores the gravity of these issues and the public's demand for accountability.
The details
The first lawsuit alleges that members of Crossline Community Church were aware of Hart's prior conviction when they hired him. The second lawsuit, which will be announced at the protest, is expected to disclose additional information that was not previously made public. Lawyer Elan Zektser with Oakwood Legal Group, who is representing the plaintiffs, has stated that this is "one of the most blatant failures to protect children at a church" he has ever seen and that "many more" lawsuits are about to hit the church.
- The protest is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
- The first lawsuit was filed against Crossline Church in an unspecified timeframe prior to the protest.
The players
Crossline Community Church
A church in Laguna Hills, California that is facing two civil lawsuits alleging serious sexual misconduct and institutional failures.
Jacon Melvin Hart
A former employee of Crossline Community Church who was convicted in Oregon for a similar offense but was still hired in 2012 to manage the church's audiovisual and computer technology operations, where he allegedly gave two juvenile congregants computers equipped with software that allowed him to secretly record them in their bathrooms.
Elan Zektser
A lawyer with Oakwood Legal Group who is representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuits against Crossline Community Church.
What they’re saying
“This is one of the most blatant failures to protect children at a church I've ever seen. This is now the second lawsuit involving Crossline Church with many more about to hit.”
— Elan Zektser, Lawyer, Oakwood Legal Group
What’s next
The judge will likely set a hearing date to consider the allegations and determine if the church leadership should be held accountable.
The takeaway
The allegations against Crossline Church highlight the urgent need for religious institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in their care, and to thoroughly vet and monitor employees who have access to vulnerable youth. This case underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and swift action when such allegations arise.
