GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - A head pastor at a Gainesville church accused of failing to report child sex abuse pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

Gainesville police say Mark Vega, 55, failed to report several cases of abuse dating back to 2019 from different victims at Ignite Life Church.

Gabriel Hemenez, a former volunteer with the church, was convicted of child molestation last year and sentenced to five years in prison.

Noel Cruz, the son of a former associate pastor with the church, and Christian Vargas, Vega’s son, were also arrested on similar charges.

In the arrest report, police say Vega “intentionally endeavored” to keep the abuse from reaching authorities.

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