Alton Pastor Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexually Assaulting Unconscious Women

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McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A pastor from Alton, Texas, has been handed a 12-year jail sentence after being found guilty of sexually assaulting unconscious women who were sedated with medications, according to court records.

Melquisedec Chan, the convicted pastor, also received 10 years of probation for charges related to practicing medicine in violation of a subtitle, as per Hidalgo County records.

The sentencing follows Chan’s guilty plea, in which he admitted to all four counts of sexual assault. Two women accused him of sexually assaulting them after he administered a substance that impaired their ability to “appraise the nature of the act or to resist the act.”

A probable cause affidavit revealing the details of the sexual assaults shed light on the case. One of the victims reported to the police that she had been diagnosed with a tumor in 2012, and Chan, her pastor, offered to help her due to his alleged experience as a practicing family doctor in Reynosa.

According to the victim’s statement, Chan administered medication to her, claiming it was vitamins and other substances that would improve her well-being. The woman stated that Chan would treat her at her own home, giving her the medication in her bedroom, which caused her to fall asleep. Upon waking up, she noticed that her underwear had been moved or her bra had been folded, leading her to suspect that Chan was taking advantage of her.

In 2018, after learning that Chan had been arrested following another church member’s claim of sexual assault in a similar manner, the woman found the courage to come forward and report her own experience to the police. During the investigation, Chan admitted to having a physical interaction with the woman.

Following his arrest, Chan was booked into Hidalgo County Jail, with a bond set at $350,000. As part of his sentencing, he was also fined $5,000.

This case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in places of trust and authority, such as religious institutions. It serves as a reminder that perpetrators can be found in unexpected positions and that victims should be encouraged to come forward, no matter the circumstances.

The sentencing of Melquisedec Chan brings some measure of justice to the victims and serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. It is crucial for communities and organizations to prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals and to foster an environment where victims feel empowered to report such crimes.

As this case concludes, it is hoped that the survivors of these assaults will find solace and support as they continue their healing process. The legal system has acted to hold the perpetrator accountable, but it is equally important for society to rally behind the victims, providing them with the necessary resources and compassion to rebuild their lives.

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