Abuse Case against Frmr Yakima Priest in Fresno Moves Forward
By Action News
Witnesses have begun testifying in the case against a former catholic priest who once worked in the Yakima Valley and is now facing charges of sexual abuse. Jesus Antonio Castaneda-Serna is facing 20 counts including 16 counts of felony sexual battery against adult members of his church. During the last few weeks, as part of a preliminary hearing, at least 5 witnesses shared their experiences in court. Several adults describing how they say Serna would abuse and molest them under the guise of spiritual authority. Serna served as a catholic priest in Yakima from 1997 to 2005. He was suspended after allegations he revealed something that had been shared in the confessional. He later became an Anglican priest in Fresno, California, before starting his own church. Jesus Antonio Castaneda-Serna was arrested on Sunday, February 24th after complaints were filed with the Fresno Police Department. Police say four accusers have come forward, but they are certain there are many more. "Serna has preyed on undocumented males, and perhaps an undocumented female, knowing they'd be reluctant to go to police," Dyer said. Dyer says the victims say would seek out Serna for counseling and healing from heartbreak to drug addiction. An arrest warrant says Serna would tell them they were cursed, and needed a healing massage and prayer with a special oil. Dyer said he would have the men disrobe and then carried out sexual acts. "He told them he had to see their semen to cleanse them," Dyer said. "He used his position as a religious leader to convince these victims that what he was doing to them had to occur in order for them to be healed or be spiritually right with God.l I can't think of another fraud that occurs that is more severe than that." The victims say they did not touch Serna. Serna had also been a Catholic Priest, in the Diocese of Yakima in Washington State. Monsignor Robert Siler with the Diocese of Yakima says Serna had been suspended from the ministry after a complaint was filed that he had shared what had been told to him in confession. Siler says Serna later asked to leave the priesthood. A year later, the Diocese was contacted by someone saying Serna had fondled him. He moved and later became a priest in the Anglican church. Chief Dyer says Serna had been with Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been located at Dakota and Cedar in Central Fresno. A warrant says he would carry out healing sessions there. When the church moved, it says he held meetings at the Anglican church's office at 1300 E Shaw Ave. Serna has been charged with multiple charges of sexual battery by representation of professional purpose, which mean he used his authority and standing in the church to convince the men they had to cooperate. The Diocese of San Joaquin issued the statement below, saying it learned of the accusations in October of 2017 at which time he was suspended and the police were contacted. In November, Serna told the diocese he would not contest the accusations, and consented to be deposed from priestly ministry in the Anglican Church. Chief Dyer says he then opened his own church known as Holy Spirit Church, located at 4277 N West Ave. in Fresno. Serna was arrested there on Sunday, February 24th. Dyer pointed out this church is not connected with the Catholic church with a similar name. Chief Dyer and District Attorney Smittcamp are asking other potential victims to come forward and talk to police, not the church or clergy. Victims should contact Sgt. Macias at (559) 621-2492 or Sgt. Reyes at (559) 621-2447. Dyer says those who come forward will not face deportation because of the "U Visa" if they are willing to participate in the court process. "Because you are an immigrant does not mean that you have to be a victim of any time, especially sexual assault," says Smittcamp. "Please come forward and report so we can help you." Serna had also been a Catholic Priest, in the Diocese of Yakima in Washington State. Monsignor Robert Siler with the Diocese of Yakima says Serna had been suspended from the ministry after a complaint was filed that he had shared what had been told to him in confession. Siler says Serna later asked to leave the priesthood. A year later, the Diocese was contacted by someone saying Serna had fondled him.
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