THORNTON, Colo. — Joshua Lucero, a 28-year-old former youth pastor at Word Alive Church in Thornton, Colorado, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony child sex assault charges, according to a news release from the Thornton Police Department.
Lucero, who also goes by “Josh” on social media, was taken into custody on March 25. He faces charges of “sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust,” according to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s office. Specific details regarding the alleged assault and the identity of the victim have not been disclosed by police.
Lucero is the son of Randy and Veronica Lucero, the senior pastors of Word Alive Church. The case dates back to 2021 when Jan Martin, an elder on the church board at the time, reported Lucero to the Thornton Police Department after he allegedly admitted to assaulting a minor. Martin resigned from her position and filed the police report, citing her moral objections to protecting the pastor’s son.
According to Kylynn McTague, the Thornton Police Department’s public information officer, the victim initially declined to press charges in 2021 but later changed their mind this year. Lucero’s alleged offenses occurred between July 2017 and July 2020 when he served as the youth pastor overseeing minors between the ages of 13 and 18.
After his arrest, Lucero was booked into the Adams County Jail but was released on a $25,000 bond on March 26. His criminal defense attorney, Chloe Gleichman, issued a statement asserting Lucero’s innocence, requesting the public reserve judgment as the legal process unfolds. Gleichman also confirmed that Lucero is no longer employed at Word Alive Church.
Thornton Police are urging anyone with additional information or possible victims to come forward by contacting the department’s tip line at (720) 977-5069. Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals in the community.
Lucero’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, with further legal proceedings expected. The case continues to draw significant public attention, particularly given the sensitive nature of the charges and the church’s involvement.
Word Alive Church did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, and Lucero has since deleted his social media accounts.
As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking to determine if there are other potential victims connected to Lucero’s time as a youth pastor.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about abuse within religious organizations and the need for vigilance in protecting minors from potential harm.
