Itinerant Minister With Chi Alpha Ties Gets 30 Years Without Parole for Sexually Abusing Boys

Daniel Savala, 70, Pleads Guilty to Continuous Human Trafficking as Texas Judge Locks Him Away for Life

Itinerant minister and convicted sex offender Daniel Savala, 70, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison without parole after pleading guilty in Texas to "Continuous Human Trafficking" for sexually abusing two boys. The sentence was handed down on 8 May 2026.

"I don't expect he will ever see the light of day again," said McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens.

Daniel Savala Sentenced 30 Years for Sex Abuse Tied to Chi Alpha at Baylor

Savala had previously been convicted in 2012 of sexual abuse of a minor, a third degree felony, for crimes committed in Alaska between 1995 and 1997. Despite this prior conviction, he served as spiritual mentor to Christopher Hundl, 41, the former leader of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at Baylor University.

Hundl allegedly brought the two abuse victims to Savala's Houston home multiple times between summer 2021 and March 2022. The Assemblies of God, which sponsors Chi Alpha, said it was "heartbroken to hear allegations" but maintained Savala held no credentials and was never on Chi Alpha staff. Whistleblowers dispute that claim. Savala was arrested in Waco, Texas in June 2023.

The Crusader's Opinion

A 70 year old man with a 30 year history of child sex abuse was operating as a "spiritual mentor" to a Chi Alpha campus minister at Baylor. That is unspeakable. The Assemblies of God's claim that Savala had "no credentials" is a technicality that does not begin to address the systemic failure that allowed a known abuser proximity to victims through a campus ministry. Every Christian college and ministry must conduct serious background checks on every person mentoring leaders. Every survivor deserves to be heard and believed. Pray for the two victims and for justice to reach every accomplice.

Take Action

• Donate: G.R.A.C.E., supporting survivors of abuse in Christian institutions
• Pray: For the two victims of Savala and survivors of clergy abuse everywhere
• Demand: Mandatory background checks for every mentor and ministry leader at your church
• Read: The Christianity Today and Religion News Service investigations of Chi Alpha
• Share: The 30 year sentence and call for accountability across campus ministries