A Thornton youth pastor was arrested Tuesday and charged with sexually assaulting at least one child during his time at Word Alive Church, police said. Joshua Lucero, 28, was charged with felony sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust as part of a pattern of abuse, according to court records. The reported incidents happened between July 2017 and July 2020, when Lucero worked as a youth pastor and oversaw teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18, according to the Thornton Police Department. It’s unclear how many victims have been identified, but police said there could be more and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 720-977-5069. “Protecting the vulnerable in our community is one of our most important responsibilities,” Thornton’s Interim Police Chief Greg Reeves said in a statement. “We’re asking anyone with information to come forward so justice can be served.” Word Alive Church did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. Lucero appeared to still be an active youth ministry leader as of March 13, according to social media posts from the church’s Unite Young Adults youth group. Related Articles Man takes deal in Greeley crowd shooting, sentenced to 3 years in prison Denver police officer arrested on suspicion of assault in Brighton Woman arrested on suspicion of murder previously threatened to shoot boyfriend, Aurora police say Second dean shot at Denver’s East High in 2023 sues DPS, alleging district failed to keep students and staff safe Abandoned sugar factory near Longmont catches fire overnight Lucero is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning for an appearance on his arrest warrant, court records show. Additional court dates have not yet been scheduled. This is a developing story and may be updated.  Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day. ...read more read less