UPDATE: A jury in Morgan Hill has just acquitted former youth pastor Brett Bymaster, 49, of all 10 felony sexual abuse counts. The verdict follows a tense trial in Santa Clara County that concluded with unanimous not guilty decisions after lengthy deliberations.
The jury’s decision, reached on October 25, 2023, marks a significant turning point in a case that has captured local and national attention. Initially, jurors were reportedly split 11-to-1 on several counts before ultimately siding with Bymaster, who has consistently denied the allegations against him. The trial was overseen by Judge Stuart Scott, with Deputy District Attorney Christopher Paynter representing the prosecution.
Bymaster’s arrest in April 2024 stemmed from an investigation by the San Jose Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force. Reports indicated that the alleged misconduct was connected to his work with youth programs and that charges increased as the investigation unfolded. Following his arrest, Bymaster spent time at the Elmwood Correctional Facility.
The River Church Community, where Bymaster served, initiated internal reviews after earlier complaints surfaced. Families within the congregation expressed concern over how the initial inquiries were handled, leading church leaders to admit to past oversight issues. The case has ignited broader discussions about safety in youth programs throughout the South Bay area.
During the trial, defense attorneys argued that the allegations were fabricated by a small group of influential church families. They claimed these families pressured the congregation, including a demand for a settlement of approximately $2.1 million. Although the prosecution rejected this narrative, jurors ultimately concluded that the evidence presented did not meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legally, Bymaster’s acquittal means he cannot be retried on these charges due to double jeopardy protections. However, civil cases could still emerge, utilizing a lower threshold of “preponderance of the evidence.” This could lead to separate legal proceedings that may continue to unfold in the coming months.
As the dust settles on the criminal side of the case, the River Church Community is expected to undergo further scrutiny and transparency initiatives in response to community demands for stronger safeguards in youth programming. Bymaster’s legal team has not yet commented on the verdict, and local leaders are calling for renewed focus on safety measures in faith-based youth activities.
This developing story is likely to evolve, with potential civil filings and further investigations anticipated. The community remains on alert as they await more updates and implications from this high-profile case.
