Fr. Urbano Vazquez-Ortega

Accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl at Sacred Heart Shrine in Columbia Heights in 5/15. The girl’s mother reportedly informed Rev. Mosis Villalta, OFM.Cap. in 2015; police were not notified until 10/26/18, after Villalta told a visiting priest about the situation. Arrested 11/7/18, charged with second-degree child abuse. Also accused of kissing a 16-year-old girl in 2015, and of rubbing a 15-year-old girl’s leg during confession the same year. Archdiocese suspended Vazquez after notified by Order of allegations 10/26/18. Removed as pastor. Parish’s child protection coordinator placed on leave. Arrested on new allegations 12/11/18, of abuse of a girl starting when she was age 9. On Baltimore archdiocese’s list 12/14/18. Indicted in 5/19 on 7 counts of sex abuse of 2 children and a woman. Convicted in 8/19. Motion for a new trial in 9/19; denied. Sentenced in 11/19 to 15 years in prison. Found guilty in 11/21 of abuse, which occurred during confession, of the young woman. Sentenced to 180 days in prison, to be added to the 15-year sentence.
- Washington Post 11.07.18
- NBC News 4 TV 11.07.18
- Washington post 11.09.18
- WTOP 11.10.18
- Associated Press 12.12.18
- Archdiocese of Baltimore List 12.14.18
- Washington Post 12.14.18
- WTOP TV 03.22.19
- WTOP 05.03.19
- WTOP 05.20.19
- WTOP TV 08.05.19
- Washington Post 08.07.19
- Associated Press 08.12.19
- NBC Washington 08.15.19
- Washington Post 08.15.19
- WUSA TV 08.15.19
- WTOP 08.16.19
- Patch 08.17.19
- WTOP 09.04.19
- WTOP 10.20.19
- WTOP 11.20.19
- FOX 5 DC 11.21.19
- Washington Post 11.30.21
Sources:
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.