A former missionary and convicted sex offender who was once praised as a spiritual mentor has now been sentenced to 30 years behind bars after admitting to sexually abusing boys in Texas.
Daniel Savala, 70, appeared in court Thursday by video from jail and pleaded guilty to continuous trafficking of persons connected to the abuse of two young boys, according to local reports.
A judge in Waco sentenced Savala to 30 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Authorities say the disturbing abuse involved two boys, ages 11 and 12, who were allegedly brought to Savala’s home by a pastor.
According to testimony presented in court, the boys were told to undress inside Savala’s sauna, where prosecutors said the abuse occurred.
Savala’s guilty plea comes years after a growing scandal surrounding his ties to the Christian campus ministry Chi Alpha and the Assemblies of God denomination.
A major investigation previously reported that church leaders had been warned multiple times about Savala over the years but allegedly continued allowing him access to students and young people.
The situation became even more shocking after it emerged that Savala had already been convicted in Alaska in 2012 for sexually abusing a minor.
Despite that conviction, reports claimed some ministry leaders still referred to him as “Papa Daniel” and even described him as “the holiest man alive.”
Students were allegedly encouraged to visit his home in Houston for spiritual guidance and mentorship.
In a statement released after the allegations exploded publicly, the Assemblies of God said it instructed ministry leaders to stay away from Savala after receiving complaints in 2018.
The denomination later said it removed several ministers connected to Savala after additional abuse allegations surfaced.
“We have been heartbroken to hear allegations related to Daniel Savala and the pain his reported actions caused,” the church organization said in a statement.
During Thursday’s emotional hearing, survivors also spoke directly about the trauma they say Savala caused.
Joseph Cleveland told the court he had been abused by Savala between the ages of 15 and 24.
“There’s gratitude that it’s finally over,” Cleveland reportedly said.
“We fought for almost three years to the day he was arrested.”
He also explained that while he personally chose forgiveness as part of his healing process, many other alleged victims were still too traumatized to publicly speak in court.
Authorities say Savala may still be connected to additional investigations in other Texas counties.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have also linked him to former Baylor University campus minister Christopher Hundl, who is facing separate charges involving allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking of minors.
Savala is expected to be transferred from the McLennan County jail to the Texas prison system in the coming days.
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For all those that allowed this to happen and brought young boys to this disgusting human they all need to be put in prison. They knew what they were doing and didn’t care and for that there needs to be consequences. No mercy for any of them.
Having succumbed to evil religion addiction mental illness it becomes easier to also succumb to other perverted addictions…
At least the Judiciary is working at least some!!!