Youth pastor arrested for sexual assault

For The Madera Tribune

Joshua David Kemper.

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The Madera County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division has concluded a months-long investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old female victim and a local pastor, identified as Joshua David Kemper, 47, of Coarsegold.

The investigation began on July 28, after a report was filed by church officials in Coarsegold. Detectives learned that Kemper, who served as a pastor at the church, had been engaging in inappropriate communication and sexual conduct with the juvenile victim.

Detective Michaela Plummer of the Investigations Unit led the case and coordinated follow-up. The investigation revealed the victim was in a sexual relationship with Kemper that occurred between March and July 2025, involving multiple incidents at the church, her home, and inside the suspect’s vehicle.