Fr. John Esquivel

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Fresno CA

Accusation publicly in 6/19 of sexually abusing a 17- or 18-year-old girl in the mid-1980s at St. Joseph’s in Bakersfield. Suspended for a few months during investigation. Esquivel’s accuser said that he groped, open-mouth kissed and verbally abused her. She was working at the time as his secretary. SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) stated that three other women told them in recent years that Esquivel sexually abused them, two at age 16. Two of the alleged victims reportedly told another priest in around 1992, but no action. Suit filed in 1/20 by two of the women, each claiming abuse as teenagers by Esquivel. Remained in active ministry in 1/20.


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