Pastor Arrested, Charged with Child Concealment & Sexual Assault

Information provided by San Ramon Police—

The San Ramon Police Department, working in cooperation with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and San Mateo County Children and Family Services, arrested a pastor employed at Contra Costa Korean Presbyterian Church in San Ramon for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old  female. 

Investigators learned that two female juvenile runaways were suspected to be with Hyo Im, also known as Pastor John, at the church in San Ramon. Investigators eventually learned that the juveniles were staying with Im at his residence in San Ramon.

During the investigation Detectives seized evidence supporting a romantic relationship between Im and one of the juveniles. Additional evidence was located that Im was responsible for severe animal cruelty resulting in a small dog being euthanized.

On Tuesday, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed the following felony charges against Im: PC 278- Child Concealment, PC 261.5 – Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and PC 597 – Animal Cruelty. 

Im was arrested and booked into Martinez Detention Facility on Jan. 29 for felony sex assault charges, animal cruelty and child concealment. Bail was set at $180,000.

Investigators learned that the Pastor Im met the victim at the Salvation Army Korean Corps in San Francisco. Im claims to be affiliated with The Living Well Ministries, an alleged non-profit organization Im created to assist emancipated orphans, the homeless and widows. 

The investigation is ongoing and the San Ramon Police Department is asking for additional information regarding Pastor “John” Hyo Bin Im. Anyone with information or additional victims is encouraged to call Detective Rob Ransom at 925-973-2715.