A pastor who served in Orange and San Bernardino counties has been convicted of molesting an underage girl in Loma Linda in 2018 and officials believe there are still more victims, authorities said.
Harold Dien, 61, was found guilty by a jury of two misdemeanor counts of molesting a child on Aug. 15, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Dien was sentenced to 120 days in jail and is required to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years, sheriff’s officials said in a Tuesday statement.
Dien was involved with Seventh-day Adventist churches in Laguna Hills and Upland, sheriff’s officials have said. The abuse did not take place on church property.
In February 2018, sheriff’s officials investigated a referral from Child Protective Services about possible child abuse. After interviewing several people, including the child, Dien was identified as the alleged perpetrator.
During the trial, another victim came forward, the Sheriff’s Department said. Investigators said there are still believed to be additional victims of Dien, authorities said.
Dien’s lawyer, Gregory H. Kassel, declined to comment on the conviction or allegation of additional victims.
Anyone who has been victimized by Dien or anyone with information regarding him was asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 909-890-4901. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com
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