More Survivors Sought After Loma Linda Pastor Convicted of Molesting Child

Aug 25, 2022

A Loma Linda man accused of molesting a child was found guilty of sexually touching and harassing a young girl, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Harold Dien, a 57-year-old pastor from Loma Linda, was arrested in 2018 after evidence tied him to the crime, according to a report from local FOX 11 Los Angeles.

Dien received the following sentence:

• 120 days in jail
• Required to register as a Tier 1 sex offender for the next 10 years

The Tier 1 designation is considered the lowest of California’s Tiered Sex Offender Registry, the state Department of Justice website confirmed.

Following Dien’s conviction, authorities are warning that there may be additional survivors who were sexually abused by the former pastor but have yet to be identified.

In 2018, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s investigators reportedly arrested Harold Dien following a tip that he had sexually assaulted an underage girl. Deputies subsequently searched the 57-year-old man’s home in Loma Linda and found “enough evidence to charge him with molesting the girl,” according to a report from local KTLA.

KTLA further reported that:

“Few details were given about the abuse, but officials said at the time of his arrest that it did not occur in the church. Dien was affiliated with a church in Upland and in Orange County, officials said at the time.”

During Dien’s trial, another survivor came forward and accused him of sexual assault, according to KTLA. “Despite his conviction, investigators believe there are more victims or witnesses who have not yet been contacted by detectives,” KTLA said.

Anyone with information regarding a possible sexual assault committed by former Loma Linda pastor Harold Dien is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Crimes Against Children Unit at 909-890-4901. Anonymous tips can also be made online or by calling the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).

How Long Do You Have to File a California Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

California childhood sexual abuse survivors are currently not bound to the standard statute of limitations for sex crimes when filing civil claims. In fact, under AB 218 legislation, the lookback window available through the end of December affords all child sex abuse survivors an opportunity for justice and financial compensation.

AB 218 temporarily pauses the statute of limitations on all California childhood sexual abuse crimes. However, as of January 1, 2023, AB 218’s three-year lookback window officially closes. As a result, claims for child sex abuse crimes which occurred outside of the standard statute of limitations will likely be barred. Under AB 218, all childhood sex crime cases are currently eligible for civil claims seeking a maximum financial damages award – regardless of how long ago the incident occurred.

To learn more about your options for justice through financial compensation after a California childhood sexual abuse incident, contact Dordulian Law Group for a free consultation via 818-322-4056.

Dordulian Law Group’s Sexual Abuse Attorneys – The Advantage You Need

Dordulian Law Group (DLG) is a premier sexual assault and abuse firm based in Glendale, California, and serving clients throughout the nation. DLG was founded by Sam Dordulian, an experienced former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County who has been fighting for justice on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse for more than 25 years. With over 100 jury trial victories secured, more than $200,000,000 in settlements and verdicts recovered for clients, and a 98% winning record, Dordulian and his team of skilled and dedicated sexual abuse lawyers offer an unparalleled level of professionalism, excellence, and compassion throughout every step of the litigation process.

At DLG – we provide an aggressive litigation practice based on our decades of winning experience. Some recent DLG sexual assault and abuse case victories include:

• An undisclosed multi-million dollar settlement for a rape survivor (awarded following a date rape incident involving a man the survivor had met on a ‘Sugar Daddy’ website)
• A $2.25 million dollar settlement for a rideshare rape survivor who was drugged by her driver
• A $675,000 settlement secured under AB 218 (obtained as quickly as possible for a client who wished to remain anonymous throughout the entire process)
• An undisclosed maximum damages award for minimal contact committed by a former employer under the California eggshell plaintiff rule

Our SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts) of dedicated professionals comprises a 24/7 support network available to survivor clients:

• Tier I: Attorney Sam Dordulian and his team of sex abuse lawyers
• Tier II: In-House Chief Investigator Moses Castillo, a retired LAPD sex crimes detective with over 30 years of experience
• Tier III: In-House Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 15 years of experience
• Tier IV: Two in-house Licensed Victim Advocates who have dedicated their careers to helping survivors in need

If you experienced a sexual assault incident, don’t wait to file a claim. Contact our expert attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

Don’t settle for less than the DLG Advantage when choosing the best attorney to handle your California childhood sexual abuse case. Reach out to a member of the SAJE Team today for a free, confidential, and no obligation consultation. There is never any upfront cost for DLG’s expert sexual abuse legal representation – we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing until after we’ve secured a maximum financial damages award for your claim.