Full Breakdown
Allegations of Child Abuse Against Pastor Myron Chorbajian and His Wife
2/18/2026, 12:31:56 AM
Core Allegations of Abuse
Myron Chorbajian, a pastor, and his wife, Kathleen Chorbajian, are facing over 90 charges related to severe allegations of child abuse, including incidents that reportedly occurred in the 1980s. Myron is accused of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, incest, and assault, while Kathleen is charged with failing to report the abuse. The allegations include horrific acts such as forcing a child to eat rotten food, making another child sleep in a trashcan, and shooting a dog in front of a child, compelling the child to bury the animal's body.
Background & Context
The Chorbajians had one biological child and seven adopted children during the period when the alleged abuse took place. The first complaint against them emerged in 1997, long after the children had left their home. Investigators have indicated that Myron's abusive behavior spanned several years, with reports detailing a pattern of physical and emotional abuse justified through religious beliefs.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Myron Chorbajian is currently being held without bond, facing 73 charges, while Kathleen was recently granted a $120,000 surety bond after her defense argued she is not a flight risk and has strong community ties. The prosecution, however, contends that the nature of the abuse, which they describe as "the weaponization of Christianity to justify the abuse of children," poses a significant danger to the community.
Official Statements & Responses
The defense attorney for Kathleen Chorbajian argued that the allegations against the couple are exaggerated, questioning why their grandchildren would be allowed to stay with them unsupervised if the accusations were true. Conversely, the state’s attorney emphasized the vulnerability of the victims, stating, “These sadistic acts of abuse that were justified by religion against some of the most vulnerable members of our society... present a more clearly present danger to the community.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Chorbajians' defense argue that the allegations reflect a broader issue of abuse within religious contexts, highlighting the potential for faith to be misused as a justification for harmful behavior. The prosecution's stance underscores the severity of the allegations, framing the case as one that exposes systemic issues related to child protection.
What's Next
The legal proceedings against Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian are ongoing, with further hearings scheduled to assess Kathleen's potential danger to the community. The case continues to draw attention due to its disturbing nature and the implications it holds for child welfare and religious authority.
