Arlington Pastor Faces New Sexual Assault Charges

Troyce Hernandez was arrested again this week, just months after his previous arrest for sexual misconduct with a child.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the arrest of a local pastor on sexual assault charges.The arrest of a local pastor on sexual assault charges exposes a troubling pattern of abuse allegations within North Texas churches.Dallas Today

Troyce Hernandez, the lead pastor at True Grace Church in Arlington, Texas, has been arrested and charged with sexual assault, a second-degree felony. This is Hernandez's second arrest this year - he was previously charged in January with sexual misconduct with a child. The new charges stem from a woman reporting that Hernandez raped her multiple times when she was 18 and living with the pastor's family in 2010.

Why it matters

This latest arrest is part of a concerning pattern of sexual abuse allegations against church staff in the North Texas region. It raises questions about oversight and accountability within some local congregations, as well as the need for stronger policies to protect vulnerable members of the community.

The details

According to jail records, Hernandez, 50, was arrested by Irving police on Tuesday and is currently in custody awaiting transfer to Dallas County, where he will be arraigned and have bail set. The new charges allege that Hernandez raped a woman multiple times in 2010 when she was 18 and living with the pastor and his family.

  • Hernandez was previously arrested in January on charges of sexual misconduct with a child.
  • The new sexual assault charges stem from an incident reported by the victim in March 2026.

The players

Troyce Hernandez

The 50-year-old lead pastor at True Grace Church in Arlington, Texas, who has now been arrested twice this year on sexual assault charges.

True Grace Church

The Arlington, Texas congregation where Hernandez has served as lead pastor since 2014.

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What’s next

Hernandez will be transferred to Dallas County jail, where he will be arraigned and have bail set for the new sexual assault charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within some North Texas churches, as well as stronger policies to protect vulnerable members of the community from sexual abuse by clergy members.