A Virginia man who built a large following on TikTok while presenting himself as a pastor has been arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a woman he met online, authorities said.
Marco Antonio Ocampos Zamora, who had amassed more than 320,000 followers on TikTok through videos portraying himself as a religious counselor and spiritual leader, faces charges of abduction and sexual penetration in connection with the alleged assault.
Investigators say Ocampos Zamora initially contacted the woman online and later persuaded her to meet with him under the pretense of providing counseling. According to authorities, the two communicated through WhatsApp before the in-person meeting where the alleged assault occurred.
Police allege the woman believed she was meeting with Zamora for guidance and support when he instead abducted and sexually assaulted her.
Following his arrest, a video was posted to the TikTok account associated with Zamora claiming he was “a child of God used powerfully,” a statement that has raised additional concern among investigators about the influence he may have had over followers who viewed him as a trusted religious figure.
Authorities now believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone who may have had similar interactions with Ocampos Zamora to contact law enforcement.
Officials said the case highlights the potential dangers of online relationships, particularly when individuals present themselves as authority figures such as pastors, counselors, or mentors.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine whether others may have been targeted through Zamora’s social media platforms. If convicted on the charges he currently faces, Ocampos Zamora could face significant prison time under Virginia law.
