NAMPA (ID)
KTVB-TV, NBC-7 [Boise ID]
September 25, 2025
By Richard Rodriguez
The bond for Robert Mendez Esquivel, who is accused of rape and sexual battery of a minor child, remains at $300,000.
The bail for a Nampa Catholic priest who is accused of rape of a minor remains unchanged as the judge overseeing his case denied a motion to lower his bond.
RELATED: Canyon County Court charges Nampa Catholic priest with rape of a minor
Canyon County Judge Shane Darrington on Thursday denied Robert Mendez Esquivel’s request to lower his bond, keeping it at $300,000. If Esquivel posts bail, he will have to surrender his passport and must remain in the Treasure Valley.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church’s website previously showed Esquivel served as an associate pastor and is known as “Father Toto.” He joined St. Paul’s Parish in 2022.
Esquivel was arrested and booked into the Canyon County Jail on Aug. 27. During his first virtual arraignment in Canyon County Court, the judge read him the charges he faces, which include rape and two counts of sexual battery of a minor child, 16 or 17 years of age.
Prosecutors 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.
Nampa Police previously stated the investigation is ongoing “to ensure there are no other victims.” Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 208-343-COPS or online at www.343.cops.com.
Esquivel’s preliminary hearing is now set for Oct. 28.