header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


A Valencia man who worked as a youth pastor in St. Louis, and as a former producer for a local church, has been charged with multiple counts of sodomy, according to St. Louis County Police Department officers in Missouri.

Brandon Milburn, 26, of Valencia, was arrested Thursday for six counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree by St. Louis County Police Department officials, said Sgt. Matt Redmond.

Brandon Milburn

Brandon Milburn

Police officials said two alleged victims, both 11 years old at the time, contacted the Police Department, which sparked an investigation that led the victims to identify Milburn.

Milburn was contacted by police officials, questioned by detectives and then confessed to the St. Louis crimes, Redmond said.

Milburn was working as an intern outreach minister in St. Louis from 2007-09 when the alleged crimes occurred, Redmond said.

“He was a college student doing an internship at this church, where he had contact with some people in a youth group or youth ministry,” Redmond said.

After their investigation, the evidence was submitted to the county’s prosecutor, who decided to file six counts, Redmond said.

Milburn told police officials his occupation was a producer for a Valencia church.

Fred Gray, executive pastor of Real Life Church in Valencia, confirmed that Milburn was a former employee, and that the church was “horrified” to find out about the allegations.

Milburn did not work with children at the church, Gray said. He worked for the church for about four months.

Church officials just learned of the allegations and are looking into the claims, he said.

“We are still mid-investigation from our end,” Gray said. “We’re trying to figure out what we need to do. We will make an announcement to our congregation.”

There is currently no local investigation against Milburn, as no Santa Clarita Valley victims have been identified or come forward, said Detective Dave Campbell of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station’s Detective Bureau.

Milburn is currently being held on a $100,000 cash only bond.

Police officials are releasing the information in the hopes that if there are any other alleged victims out there, they come forward, Redmond said.

There is sometimes a hesitancy for victims to self-identify, Redmond said.

“That’s generally how disclosures happen in a lot of cases. They usually don’t disclose right away,” he said.

“If there is anybody who was abused by Mr. Milburn,” he said, “they need to contact their local law enforcement.”

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

44 Comments

  1. Predators go where people think they are safe. They are opportunists. He’s not the first and won’t be the last…

  2. Predators go where people think they are safe. They are opportunists. He’s not the first and won’t be the last…

  3. Trisha Alves Trisha Alves says:

    Not judging because I’ve never been but I haven’t heard very many good things about Real life Church and this is icing on that cake.

    • Chris Davis says:

      Trisha, I think your comment was unnecessary as it had nothing to do with the story and quite frankly it is judging from someone who has never been involved (by your own admission)with Real Life Church.

    • April says:

      It’s great church. Unfortunately you can’t control the people that enter the doors. We are all sinners, hence the reason we go in the first place. Please check it out so you can find out for yourself. No place is perfect. We all fall short of the Glory of God

  4. Trisha Alves Trisha Alves says:

    Not judging because I’ve never been but I haven’t heard very many good things about Real life Church and this is icing on that cake.

  5. I love real life but wow

  6. I love real life but wow

  7. So sad! I hope there are no other victims.

  8. So sad! I hope there are no other victims.

  9. I’ve been to real life a few times. And everyone is always so nice.
    Hopefully they learn from this

  10. I’ve been to real life a few times. And everyone is always so nice.
    Hopefully they learn from this

  11. Real Life Church is an awesome part of this community, even a background check would not turn up something on someone who has not yet been convicted. He does not represent RLC or their values. RLC is such a productive part of the community that other churches strive to do as they do. They give back to the community, they are true philanthropist and our community can only benefit from having them and other organizations who strive to be like RLC here in Valencia. Before anyone makes a judgement on my statement. I am not part of RLC, although I have attended their services a few times, I only knew about them through their community out reach programs. You cannot judge a church by the actions of a man.

  12. Real Life Church is an awesome part of this community, even a background check would not turn up something on someone who has not yet been convicted. He does not represent RLC or their values. RLC is such a productive part of the community that other churches strive to do as they do. They give back to the community, they are true philanthropist and our community can only benefit from having them and other organizations who strive to be like RLC here in Valencia. Before anyone makes a judgement on my statement. I am not part of RLC, although I have attended their services a few times, I only knew about them through their community out reach programs. You cannot judge a church by the actions of a man.

  13. Laura Steger Laura Steger says:

    People that commit sex crimes come from all walks of life. Just because he worked at RLC means nothing. Churches etc should be judged by what the criminal does.

  14. I find it ridiculous that the main focus here is that this individual worked at Real Life Church instead of the fact that he is sick and charged with sex crimes. Not to mention that he did not work with children while he was there and did not have a previous record. Let’s place blame where blame is due and hope that he gets put away so he can’t hurt anyone else.

  15. Kelli Chavez says:

    Yes, you cannot judge a church for what someone has done that they are only now being caught for….Real Life is an amazing church and they give back so much…I would hate.for this to stop anyone from finding and following Jesus…Jesus came for the sinners not the righteous…he came for this young man…he wouldn’t want to see him go to hell anymore than anyone of us….sin is sin in God’s eyes….

  16. They always hide in plain sight!!!

  17. Mark Montoya says:

    I don’t speak for the church; I do attend there. What I have learned is that the accused was subjected to a background check and references, as part of standard procedures. His duties did not involve children. Given that the allegations were not public until now, one cannot rightly assume that RLC staff missed something. To my knowledge, no one has yet said any misconduct or abuse occurred at RLC or in CA for that matter. As the investigation unfolds, I hope everyone can work from the facts and then see what lessons need to be learned. I know many of the volunteers and workers in the kids’ ministries, and I have a great degree of confidence in their vigilance and care for every child who comes through those doors. What we can say for sure is that dangerous people lurk in all corners of life, and we cannot for one moment lower our guard.

  18. As a member of Real Life Church for over 12+ years it sad that some people are judging our Church because of this. Our Pastors are so dedicated and work very hard to teach us Gods word. I volunteered for many years in the office and experienced this first hand. Please if you have never been to RLC come to one of our services and make decision by your experience, not by some of these comments. They are dedicated to this community!

  19. As a member of Real Life Church for over 12+ years it sad that some people are judging our Church because of this. Our Pastors are so dedicated and work very hard to teach us Gods word. I volunteered for many years in the office and experienced this first hand. Please if you have never been to RLC come to one of our services and make decision by your experience, not by some of these comments. They are dedicated to this community!

  20. cj says:

    They do background checks before you can work in the children’s ministry, but if you don’t have a conviction or an investigation into anything it won’t be there. Then you have to rely on who they know.

  21. Lora Hill Lora Hill says:

    Can you imagine the bible is correct about a wolf in sheep clothing? I am not a member of real life, but I am a sister in Christ. The issue is this man not the church that does background checks. For the few months this man worked their his record at the time was clean. Could not have caught this before these allegations. The devil is everywhere.

  22. At least Real Life “Church” will be known for something besides giving out coffee.

  23. albertdylangarcia says:

    I belong to RLC church. I think this SOB targeted RLC because the Senior Pastor and other ministry Pastors or church staff are from Missouri. He knows he is wanted in Missouri, hides in CA and used his connections [references] to get a job @ RLC. RLC did nothing wrong, it is just milburn exposes the weakness of the church. milburn said his job is a “producer” producer of what?. He is a youth pastor in Missouri [did more damaged than good], but he was hired to work in the production. I am not sure if there is a skills shortage from the RLC members, who are looking for work. Rusty, just asking.

  24. It makes me really sad that a lot of people are judging Real Life Church for one man’s actions:( I have been going to real life for more than 4 years and it has changed my life… it is disgusting and disturbing to know what this man has done:( I will pray for these innocent little girls and their families.

  25. Bella Elaina Bella Elaina says:

    We all fall short. We are not to judge anyone. We all have our own sins. And all sin is equal in Gods eyes

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
SCVNews.com