A former Christian missionary with ties to a college outreach program has been sentenced to decades in prison following a case involving multiple victims.
Daniel Savala, 70, entered a guilty plea in McLennan County court to a felony charge involving continuous trafficking of persons. The charge reflects a pattern of exploitation over time involving several minors.
Savala had previously been involved with the Assemblies of God’s Chi Alpha campus ministry, where he mentored students and led religious activities at institutions including Sam Houston State University.
According to court proceedings, part of the case focused on incidents in Houston, including one in 2021 involving two boys, ages 11 and 12. Reports indicated they were taken to Savala’s home by their father, who was also connected to the ministry. Prosecutors stated that Savala instructed the boys to undress in a backyard sauna before carrying out the abuse, with the father present.
McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens stated that the sentence ensures Savala will spend the rest of his life in prison, calling it a measure of justice for the victims.
This was not Savala’s first conviction. In 2012, while in Alaska, he pleaded guilty to a charge involving a minor after facing multiple allegations connected to his earlier role as a youth minister. He served a short sentence of 90 days at that time under a plea agreement.
The case has raised serious concerns about oversight and accountability within organizations entrusted with working closely with young people.
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