ORLANDO, Fla. — Detectives said missionary trips abroad were really sex-trafficking visits that victimized children, but the wife of an Orlando man accused in the case defended her husband to WFTV.
Channel 9’s Nancy Alvarez repeatedly asked Linda Morales about the disturbing charges filed against her husband, Luis, but each question was met with a reply about religion.
Alvarez: “Is your husband guilty of molesting children?”
Linda Morales: “No.”
Alvarez: “Tell us your side of the story.”
Linda Morales: “I don’t need to talk to you, woman of God. Get your life right with the Lord. Jesus loves you.”
According to the En Fuego for Jesus website, Luis Morales, also known as the Apostle Tito, referred to his wife as "Prophet Linda." And according to federal prosecutors, he called his victims "prophets," as well.
Luis Morales is accused of transporting at least four underage girls in and out of Florida for the purpose of molesting them.
Prosecutors said he met the victims through a ministry based out of his Ormond Beach home. According to his website, Morales traveled from Volusia County to countries like Argentina, Costa Rica and Mexico to spread the word of God.
Morales allegedly traveled with his victims to Connecticut and St. Thomas, and another victim was brought to Florida from Arizona, authorities said.
However, Morales' wife consistently denied the accusations.
“Anybody who makes an accusation against a man or woman of God is on Satan's team,” she said.
Neighbors also told WFTV Thursday, they often saw a lot of odd things at Morales' home, like he would often be outside mowing his yard in his underwear.
"What I heard is more what I would call speaking in tongues," said Jim Mosley, neighbor.
Neighbor Helen Mosley added, "One time I talked to Linda and she said they were going to South America and when they would come from South America they would have someone with them."
Another woman, Rebeca Rivera, was also arrested Thursday in Connecticut for helping transport the children for sexual activity.
Louis was being held Thursday night at the Orange County Jail with no bond while police continued their investigation.