Pastor jailed after alleged sexual abuse of minor in Madera County, deputies say
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Three quick takeaways: Pastor arrested after probe into alleged minor abuse.
- Investigation found sexual relationship, explicit media exchanges, and grooming.
- Authorities urge other victims or witnesses to contact Madera County investigators.
A Madera County pastor was arrested Monday under suspicion of sex crimes with a minor.
Deputies arrested 47-year-old Joshua David Kemper of Coarsegold after an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old girl.
Deputies said the investigation started July 28 after church officials filed a report about the alleged crime.
Detectives learned that Kemper had been engaging in inappropriate communication and sexual conduct with the girl.
An investigation revealed that the victim had been in a sexual relationship with Kemper that occurred between March and July 2025, involving multiple incidents at the church, her home and inside the suspect’s vehicle, deputies said.
Kemper and the victim exchanged explicit messages, photos and videos, investigators said.
Kemper declined to provide a statement after investigators contacted him. He was arrested at his home in Coarsegold, deputies said.
“The investigation also identified extensive digital grooming behaviors and confirmed Kemper’s use of a VoIP phone number and social media accounts to conceal communication with the victim,” deputies wrote.
Detectives think there might be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Madera County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit at 559-675-7770 or Detective Michaela Plummer at 559-706-1276.
