ASA to Consolidate Ignite Life Center Head Pastor’s Son’s Sex Crime Charges into One Case, Plea Deal Still on Table

On Monday, Assistant State Attorney (ASA) Christopher “Andy” Holz indicated that he will consolidate Christian Vargas’ three sexual abuse charges into one case.

Vargas faces two counts of lewd/lascivious battery against a victim under 15 years old and one count of lewd/lascivious molestation against a victim 12-16 years old while 18+. Police reports describe Vargas committing numerous sexual assaults against young girls at Ignite Life Center (ILC) Church.

Vargas was observed smiling in the courthouse hallway Monday afternoon before the case management docket began. He was accompanied by Nicholas Bruce, a pastor at ILC who serves under Vargas’ father, Mark Vega. Bruce is also Vega's nephew.

Vega faces a count of failing to report suspected child abuse. Police reports describe Vega using his role at Ignite Life Center to conceal several child sexual abuse incidents from legal authorities over multiple years. He and his son are both out on bond.

Vargas and Bruce both sat in the back of the courtroom. Vargas, whose presence is waived, did not get up and stand before Judge Robert Groeb when his case was called. Groeb didn’t seem to notice, and it’s unclear if he was aware of Vargas’ presence. 

Vargas' attorney, Gilbert Schannfit, previously made a motion to consolidate his client’s charges for trial, but acknowledged it would be mute since Holz will likely file an amended consolidating charging document.

In the motion, Schannfit indicated the case was moving towards trial but at the hearing he acknowledged that plea deal negotiations are still underway. Schannfit said they received an offer from the prosecution and they plan to get back to them with their own offer. 

Vargas' next case management hearing is scheduled for November 9. 

Editor’s Notes: Ignite Life Center is no longer based at the church building at 404 NW 14th Ave. due to their mortgage foreclosure.