Members of Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona, are pushing back against their pastors after some church leaders wrote character letters supporting Joshua Jacobsen—a man who pleaded guilty in two thousand six to sexual contact with a minor.

Jacobsen, once a teacher and soccer coach, admitted to inappropriately touching a twelve-year-old student. Now he’s asking a Maricopa County judge to end his lifetime probation, and at least two CCV pastors backed him with references—one in twenty nineteen, another last year.

Protesters say it makes families feel unsafe, especially with kids around. They’re upset the church would vouch for someone with that history.

Here’s what CCV says: The offense was twenty years ago, happened nowhere near the church, and Jacobsen’s never held any official role there—not as a coach, volunteer, nothing. He did join a small group tied to a prison ministry partner after getting out. One letter was just about his faith progress for family reunification, not probation. And the twenty twenty-four note from operations guy Harry Demos? Leadership claims they didn’t know and don’t back it.

They stress their tight security—background checks, protocols, even ex-law enforcement on staff—to keep everyone safe. “We’re committed to a trustworthy space where people meet Jesus,” the church posted online.

Still, some members aren’t buying it. They want answers.

(Original reporting from FOX 10 Phoenix, March seventh, twenty twenty-six.)