Thornton Youth Pastor Charged with Child Sexual Assault

Joshua Lucero, a 28-year-old youth pastor at Word Alive Church in Thornton, Colorado, has been arrested and charged with sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, related to incidents that reportedly occurred between July 2017 and July 2020. The Thornton Police Department confirmed that Lucero supervised teenagers aged 13 to 18 during this time. Authorities are concerned there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Lucero is currently held in the Adams County Jail without bond. Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable community members and called for justice. Lucero's attorney maintains that he is innocent and asks for public patience as the legal process unfolds.