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A Catholic priest serving in a Downey church was arrested after being accused of raping a minor, LA County records showed Tuesday.
Father Jaime Ariaga, 41, has been taken from the Ministry of Our Lady of Downey’s Permanent Help Church after allegations surfaced, La Archdiose confirmed Tuesday.
“The Archdiocese has a long-standing commitment to protecting minors and reporting and preventing abuse,” the Archdiocese said in a statement, adding that it had reported Ariaga to law enforcement. The priest eventually surrendered to the authorities.
The Archdiocese, which reached a $880 million settlement over 1,354 child sexual abuse claims last October, said under a “zero tolerance policy,” anyone who “finds to have hurt a minor” has been permanently removed from his or her work.
Ariaga, who was arrested Monday, was taken into custody and faced rape charges, according to county jail records.
Since his appointment in June 2024, Ariaga has been the church’s assistant pastor, the Archdiocese confirmed.
Anyone who may have experienced any fraud involving Arriaga is advised to call the Archdiocese Ministry of Victims Assistance at (213) 637-7650 or toll-free number (800)-355-2545.
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