Church youth leader who assaulted minor 'knew it was wrong', court told (opens original article in a new tab)

A 24-year-old church youth leader pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, admitting he knew his actions were wrong, while his father, a pastor, was stood down over concerns about his son's behavior.

• Joshua Emonson, 24, pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating a 13-year-old girl he met online
• Emonson told police he knew his actions were wrong but could not stop himself
• Emonson's father, a church pastor, was stood down after concerns about his son's behavior with underage females
• Emonson faces additional charges for alleged sexual assaults in April 2024