NAMPA (ID)
KTVB-TV, NBC-7 [Boise ID]
August 27, 2025
By Morgan Romero, Richard Rodriguez
During Robert Mendez Esquivel’s arraignment in Canyon County Court Thrusday, the judge charged him with rape and two counts of sexual battery of a minor.
A Catholic priest at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa, who was arrested on a charge of sexual battery of a minor, was arraigned in Canyon County Court Thursday.
Robert Mendez Esquivel was arrested and booked into the Canyon County Jail Wednesday night. A judge read Mendez his charges during his virtual arraignment Thursday afternoon. He’s now charged with rape and two counts of sexual battery of a minor child 16 or 17 years of age.
A prosecutor told the court Esquivel met the alleged victim on the dating app Grindr before meeting up at a park. There, the prosecutor said Mendez sexually assaulted and raped the alleged victim.
The judge in the case set Esquivel’s bail at $300,000 and issued a no-contact order.
According to St. Paul’s Catholic Church’s website, Esquivel serves as an associate pastor and is known as “Father Toto.” He joined St. Paul’s Parish in 2022.
The Diocese of Boise’s website shows Esquivel is involved with ministries called “Courage and Encourage,” which are described as supporting people with same-sex attraction who want to live according to Catholic teaching on sexuality and homosexuality.
Nampa Police on Thursday said the incidents resulting in Esquivel’s arrest did not occur with a child within the church or its attached school program.
Nampa Police said the investigation is ongoing “to ensure there are no other victims.” Anyone with informational is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 208-343-COPS or online at www.343.cops.com.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11.
The Diocese of Boise shared the following statement with KTVB about Esquivel’s arrest:
“With profound sorrow and dismay, we address the distressing news of Father Toto’s arrest in Nampa, Idaho in which we learned late this afternoon. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this painful moment. St. Paul’s and the Diocese are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so as this unfolds. We defer any specific questions about the offense to the civil authorities for details concerning this matter. The Diocese will provide updates as new information is revealed. We humbly ask for your prayers for all involved and the Catholic community of St. Paul’s, entrusting all to the merciful care of Our Lord.”