Former Youth Pastor Convicted of Raping Two Children in Cherokee County

CANTON, Georgia – A Cherokee County jury found 26 year old Reyes Hernandez-Macario guilty on Thursday, March 12, 2026, of raping two pre-teen girls in separate incidents in Canton and Woodstock. The verdict followed a four day trial where jurors heard testimony from 18 witnesses, including the victims and medical professionals. Hernandez-Macario, who served as a youth pastor at the time of the crimes, was convicted on all eight counts, including rape, child molestation, false imprisonment, and cruelty to children in the first degree.

The investigation into Hernandez-Macario began in August 2023 when the Canton Police Department received a report of sexual abuse involving a child under the age of 13. During a forensic interview, the victim disclosed that the defendant assaulted her in a van approximately six months prior. According to her testimony, Hernandez-Macario had dropped off other children after a youth service, leaving her alone in the vehicle. He then locked the doors and used force against her before warning her not to report the incident.

A second investigation was launched by the Woodstock Police Department in September 2023 involving another victim under the age of 13. This child reported that Hernandez-Macario assaulted her in her family’s home in September 2022. She told investigators that the defendant grabbed her and covered her mouth to prevent her from calling for help, threatening that harm would come to her family if she told anyone.

Law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant for Hernandez-Macario on October 20, 2023. Two days later, authorities apprehended him at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Guatemala. He has been held at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center since his arrest.

The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning the guilty verdicts. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Hines and Assistant District Attorney Pete Lamb prosecuted the case. Superior Court sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.