Thornton Youth Pastor Sentenced to 13 Years to Life in Prison Following Sex Assault on a Child Conviction

Brighton, CO – District Attorney Brian Mason announced today that Joshua Lucero, 29, has been sentenced to 13 years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections following his conviction for Sex Assault on a Child – Position of Trust – Pattern of Abuse. 

Lucero served as the youth pastor at Word Alive Church in Thornton, where his father was the lead pastor. In his role, Lucero was responsible for mentoring teens, overseeing youth activities, leading church events, and supervising overnight retreats. 

According to evidence presented at trial, Lucero secretly developed a relationship with a teenage member of the youth group when she was in early high school. The victim was highly involved in church programs and spent time at the church during the week, which gave Lucero repeated unsupervised access to her. Over time, Lucero used that access to meet alone with her in his vehicle, at his parents’ home, and other locations away from public view. 

The victim later told police that when she was about 16, Lucero began engaging in sexual contact with her. This included sexual touching and sexual acts that were illegal because she was a minor and Lucero was an adult in a position of trust and authority. She reported that these encounters occurred many times over several years and that Lucero pressured and manipulated her and told her not to tell anyone. 

In 2021, the victim disclosed the abuse to her parents. Her parents reported the situation to church leadership, including the lead pastor and the church board. During that meeting, the victim explained what had happened, and Lucero admitted to being involved. Despite the seriousness of what was reported, church leadership did not notify law enforcement and instead handled the matter internally. Three board members resigned as a result of the church’s decision not to file a police report. The church required Lucero to step down from youth ministry but was later allowed to return to leadership roles, including positions that continued to place him around younger congregants. 

Around the same time, the Thornton Police Department received anonymous messages expressing concerns about Lucero’s conduct and suggesting that additional youth may have been affected. The board members that resigned also went to the police. At that time, the victim was not prepared to engage in a police investigation, and the case could not move forward. 

In late 2024, the victim and her parents returned to the police department, stating she was now ready to share her full experience. Detectives interviewed her, reviewed earlier materials, and confirmed that multiple incidents took place within the City of Thornton while Lucero was acting in his official role at Word Alive Church. 

Lucero declined to speak with investigators. Police later obtained an arrest warrant, and Lucero surrendered himself through his attorney. 

On May 29, 2026, a jury in Adams County District Court convicted Lucero of Sex Assault on a Child – Position of Trust – Pattern of Abuse, a Class 3 Felony. 

“This defendant abused his position as a youth pastor to exploit a child who trusted him,” said District Attorney Brian Mason. “The victim in this case showed tremendous courage by coming forward, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this betrayal and the harm she endured. The District Attorney’s Office is proud to fight for survivors of child sexual abuse and to hold their offenders accountable.” 

On August 21, 2026, Adams County District Court Judge Caryn Datz sentenced Lucero to 13 to life years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

“I’m grateful for the victim’s bravery, the hard work of detectives, and the jury’s careful attention to the evidence,” Mason added. “No child should ever be taken advantage of by someone in a position of trust—especially in a place where they should feel safe.” 

“This outcome reflects the thorough work of our detectives and the strong partnership we have with the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office,” said Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird. “Most importantly, it reflects the courage of the survivor and everyone else who came forward with information. Their voices were critical to bringing this case forward and making justice possible.”

Senior Deputy District Attorneys Natalie Scarpella and Cody Ruebel of the Child Victim Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Thornton Police Department.