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Court Update: Pre-Trial Conferences for Jose Mora and Isaac Noriega

Jose Mora – Pre-Trial Conference Rescheduled

On September 2, 2025, 9:00-10:00AM, Jose Mora’s Public Defender Carter Santini, cited ongoing negotiations and requested that the court reschedule his pre-trial conference till the end of the month The judge granted the request and set a new date for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM. We will continue monitoring this case as it develops.


Isaac Noriega – Pre-Trial Conference Rescheduled

On September 4, 2025, 9:00-10:00AM, Pastor Isaac Noriega was not present in court. His absence was permitted after Judge Howard Fell approved a prior motion from his attorney, Douglas W. Taylor, allowing him to waive personal appearance.

At the conference, Taylor requested a private bench discussion with Judge Fell and prosecutor Ryan Klee (representing Bradley K. Roach). The conversation was conducted quietly at the bench, out of hearing range from victims and observers in the gallery.

Following this exchange, Judge Fell announced that the pre-trial conference was continued (rescheduled) to Friday, October 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM, citing “the Defendant’s medical issues that need to be investigated and resolved.”


The Problem with the “Medical Issues” Excuse

The defense’s use of health claims stands in stark contrast to Pastor Noriega’s public activity. At Golden Dawn Tabernacle, he continues to lead:

  • Two services every Sunday and one every Wednesday night.
  • Services running more than three hours, with sermons often lasting two or more hours.
  • A multi-hour service the night before the conference, reportedly ending around 10:00 PM.

If Noriega is capable of conducting these lengthy services week after week, it raises serious questions about the credibility of claims that he is too unwell to participate in a brief court proceeding.

Meanwhile, a victim was present in court on September 4 expecting progress. Instead, the conference was postponed — wasting valuable time and prolonging the suffering of those seeking justice.


Motions Filed by Noriega’s Defense

Noriega’s legal team has filed several motions designed to limit public visibility and reduce his obligations in court:

  1. Motion to Seal Booking Photo (Granted)
    • Filed July 30, 2025, the motion asked the court to seal Noriega’s booking photo and personal information, claiming that he is a "pillar of the community" and release would lead to “libelous attacks.”
    • Judge Fell approved the motion on August 5, 2025.
  2. Motion to Waive Appearance (Granted)
    • Filed August 28, 2025, this motion requested that Noriega’s presence at future hearings be excused unless otherwise ordered.
    • The court granted the request on August 29, 2025, enabling Noriega’s attorney to appear on his behalf.
  3. Continuance Order (September 4, 2025)
    • Judge Fell granted a continuance of the pre-trial conference, pushing the date to October 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM, citing unresolved medical issues.

Why This Matters

The sequence of actions tells a clear story:

  • Mugshot sealed from public record.
  • Court appearances waived.
  • Medical claims used to delay proceedings.

These tactics limit transparency and slow down justice, even as Noriega remains active in his pulpit role. Victims deserve a process that respects their time and courage, not one that shields a defendant from accountability.


Upcoming Dates

  • September 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM - Jose Mora Pre-Trial Conference
  • September 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM - Isaac Noriega Hearing Re: Joint Declaration By Former Members Of Golden Dawn Tabernacle Regarding Abuse & Misconduct
  • October 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM - Isaac Noriega Pre-Trial Conference

Case Documentation Below

CR20252710-001 Motion To Seal Booking Photo Granted
CR20252710-001 Motion To Permit Waiver Of Appearance
CR20252710-001 Motion To Permit Waiver Of Appearance Granted
CR20252710-001 Pre-Trial Conference Continuance (Reschedule) Order

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Archived Comments
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2 comment(s) imported from the original site:

Gabriel Cordova — September 6, 2025
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It’s not him preaching it’s god behind the pulpit lol such bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shalom — September 17, 2025
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Trabajen.duro miembros de GDT, tienen que pagar al.abogado de su pastorsillo mentiroso.😄😄😄😄

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