Jonathan Emanuel Cardona Castillo, a member of the Lev Tahor sect, was arrested in El Salvador after changing his appearance to avoid capture. He faces serious accusations, including human trafficking and child abuse. His extradition to Guatemala is being coordinated as authorities respond to rampant abuse linked to the sect, which recently led to a significant rescue operation where many victims were freed.
El Salvador police have apprehended Jonathan Emanuel Cardona Castillo, a member of the Lev Tahor sect, who altered his appearance to evade arrest. He is accused of serious crimes, including human trafficking, forced marriage, and child abuse. Authorities determined Castillo’s location at a Guatemalan border point and are now coordinating his extradition to Guatemala to face charges. His arrest follows a significant raid on December 20, 2024, at the sect’s compound in San Rosa, where numerous victims were rescued from dire conditions.
Castillo, originally from La Libertad, Colón, El Salvador, reportedly underwent a drastic transformation in behavior after joining the sect, becoming violent and threatening to harm children within the group. Uriel Goldman, another leader of the Lev Tahor sect, asserted that Castillo was expelled due to his conduct and presented documents to substantiate this claim. Since the raid, at least 160 children and 40 women have been relocated to welfare facilities after being rescued from the sect’s premises, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding the group’s activities in Guatemala.
The Lev Tahor sect, known for its extreme Ultra-Orthodox beliefs, has faced scrutiny for its alleged involvement in abusive practices, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals within its community. The group’s operations have drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies in Central America, especially following numerous reports of abuse and human trafficking. The recent raid in Guatemala, which resulted in the rescue of numerous individuals, has underscored the urgent need for intervention against organizations engaging in such immoral activities. The case of Jonathan Castillo is emblematic of the concerning patterns of behavior reported among members of the sect, raising alarms about the safety of children and women involved.
In summary, the apprehension of Jonathan Castillo by El Salvador authorities marks a significant step toward addressing the alarming allegations surrounding the Lev Tahor sect. Given the serious charges against him, including human trafficking and child abuse, his extradition to Guatemala is pivotal for the ongoing investigation. The recent raid on the sect’s compound and the rescue of numerous victims further illustrates the extent of the abuses perpetrated, highlighting a crucial need for continued vigilance and action against such extremist groups.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
