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The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said Thursday that the Downey priest, who was arrested for sexually assaulting the girl, may have committed a sexual offence between February and March.
According to the DA’s office, between February 8th or March 21st, he allegedly committed multiple indecent behavior on a 14- or 15-year-old child.
Later, on March 22, the priest allegedly assaulted the same victim with the intent to perform a skating act.
“The case alleges merciless criminal conduct by a trusted religious leader,” District Attorney Hochman said. “I commend the courage of the young victims to move forward under such difficult circumstances.”
Arriaga-Pedroza pleaded guilty to one felony assault with the intent of committing indecent behavior against a child of at least 10 years of age or older against a child of 14 or 15 years old.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 5th.
If convicted, Ariaga Pedroza, who is held without bail, faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in a state prison and must register as a lifetime sex offender.
La Archdiocese said Arriaga-Pedroza had been removed from the Virgin’s ministry at Perpetual Help Church in Downey after the allegations surfaced.
“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.
Since his appointment in June 2024, Ariaga has been the church’s assistant pastor, the Archdiocese confirmed. He also worked in St. Louis, the French Catholic Church in Lapuente, authorities said.
Anyone with information regarding this crime will be requested to contact Sergeant Joseph Selda, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Special Victims Department – (877) 710 -LASD (5273) or (213) 264-8732.
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