SAN ANTONIO (TX)
La Vernia News [La Vernia TX]
October 4, 2023
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Catholic priest who previously served in La Vernia and Stockdale, and charged him with aggravated sexual assault, a felony.
Father George Mbugua Ndung’u, known as Father Wanjiru Ndung’u in the parishes where he served, was arrested Sept. 26.
This followed an investigation by the Archdiocese of San Antonio, and further investigation by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
He is alleged to have sexually assaulted an elderly parishioner several times in the parish where he has most recently been serving, St. Rose of Lima in San Antonio.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office was alerted Sept. 9, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar, who said a church employee came forward with the allegation that the priest “did something improper with her.”
“I would like to publicly express my gratitude to the survivor for bravely coming forward and helping our Church by sharing this personal and painful experience,” Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, said. “I hope this will also assist the healing process and provide inspiration to other survivors of sexual abuse to report to the authorities of these tragic incidents.”
The Archdiocese of San Antonio stated that Father Wanjiru, a native of Kenya, was suspended Aug. 31 from all priestly duties. Parishes where he has served include:
•2017 — Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Martin de Porres, and St. Gabriel parishes in San Antonio
•2018 — St. Ann in La Vernia and St. Mary’s in Stockdale
•2019 — Sts. Peter and Paul in New Braunfels
•2020 — St. Thomas the Apostle in Canyon Lake
•Since 2021, he has served at St. Rose of Lima Church in San Antonio.
Report abuse, concerns
Victims or others with information are asked to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 210-335- 6000 or bcsotips@bexar.org.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio also asks that victims contact the archdiocesan Office for Victims Assistance and Safe Environment at 210-734-7786.
In addition, any violation of the code of conduct can be reported through the third-party Archdiocesan Misconduct Hotline at 844-709-1169