Church Camp Volunteer in North Florida Faces New Molestation Charge
According to a report from WUSF NPR, a church camp volunteer in Gainesville, Florida is facing another molestation charge. Gabriel Hemenez, a former member of the Gainesville based Ignite Life Center and volunteer at its summer camp who is currently serving time in prison, has been charged with three new felony counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. Here, our West Palm Beach sexual assault and battery attorney for victims provides a more detailed overview of the case.
An Overview of the Charges Against Gabriel Hermenez in North Florida
Gabriel Hemenez was a former volunteer at Ignite Life Center’s summer camp program in 2021. Sadly, he was accused of and arrested for serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Mr. Hemenez initially pleaded guilty in March of 2024 to felony lewd and lascivious molestation involving two teenage boys. The boys in question were reportedly 12 and 16. He received a five‑year prison sentence and lifetime registration as a sex‑offender in Florida. There are now new allegations and new charges against the former church camp volunteer. Prosecutors filed three additional counts of lewd and lascivious molestation. Mr. Hemenez is being accused of molesting a third young boy on three separate occasions during overnight supervision at the camp in Gainesville in July of 2021.
Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Ignite Life Center and its Parent Organization
In July of 2025, a civil sexual abuse lawsuit was filed against Ignite Life Center and its parent organization. They are alleged to have failed in their duty to protect children, alleging negligence and oversight failures. The parent organization is Florida Multicultural District Council of the Assemblies of God. Notably, previous civil sexual abuse lawsuits were also filed related to the misconduct of Gabriel Hemenez. Three cases were settled in 2024. As Mr. Hemenez is facing new charges, there are new civil sexual assault lawsuits being filed as well.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for a civil sexual assault lawsuit is four years from the date of the most recent incident. However, the rule is different for minors. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(9), there is no time limit (no statute of limitations) for filing a civil lawsuit based on sexual battery against a minor. A victim who was under the age of 16 at the time of the assault can file a civil claim at any time. If you have any specific questions, an experienced Florida sexual abuse lawyer for victims can help.
Contact Our Florida Sexual Assault and Battery Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach sexual assault and battery attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights. If you have any questions about the claims process, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation. Our firm is proud to fight tirelessly for victims and families throughout Southeast Florida.
Source:
wusf.org/courts-law/2025-07-23/new-molestation-charges-filed-against-former-volunteer-during-gainesville-church-summer-camp
