Catholic Church Accuses Fresno-area Priest of Violence, Gang Ties, Court Documents Show

By Yesenia Amaro
Fresno Bee
November 3, 2020

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A restraining order filed by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno accuses a Selma priest of physical abuse, street-gang ties, and marijuana use.

The Rev. Guadalupe Rios has been placed on administrative leave from St. Joseph’s Church in Selma pending investigation, Cheryl Sarkisian, chancellor for the Diocese of Fresno, said in a statement to The Bee on Tuesday.

“This is a matter of an internal investigation and the confidentiality and privacy of all concerned parties will be respected and upheld,” Sarkisian said. “I can confirm that Fr Rios has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is in process.”

The Bee wasn’t immediately able to contact Rios on Tuesday.

Church officials filed the restraining order last week in Fresno County Superior Court.