Fr. John Jairo Velez
Visiting priest from Mexico. Left the El Paso TX diocese in 1990 “under a cloud of suspicion.” In 1991 the Monterey Diocese learned of the abuse by Velez and another priest of a Salinas CA altar boy, and met with the victim and his family. The Diocese expelled Velez and notified his Order. Order recalled Velez to Mexico, sending an escort to ensure his return. Diocese says civil authorities were notified in 1991. Sued in 2003 by this plaintiff. The case settled in 5/2009 for $1.2M just before trial. Reportedly worked a as a priest in Mexico before being deported to his native Colombia. Thought in 2009 to be in active ministry in Colombia. Per the Monterey diocese’s list 1/2/2019, Velez is deceased.
- Monterey County Herald 06.06.03
- Monterey County Herald 01.28.04
- Bishop Ryan’s February Pastoral Letter 02.04.04
- RichardSipe site 04.17.07
- OC Weekly 12.07.07
- Monterey Herald 05.17.09
- KSBW 05.26.09
- Salinas Californian 05.29.09
- KSBW 05.29.09
- Monterey Herald 05.30.09
- Yuma Sun 06.01.09
- Arizona Daily Star 06.03.09
- Monterey Herald 07.19.09
- Monterey Herald 07.19.09
- Diocese of Monterey List 01.02.19
- KSBW TV 01.02.19
- Horowitz Law 12.01.20
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