Fr. Jorge Antonio Velez-Lopez

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1989
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Archdiocese of Baltimore MD

Tertiary Capuchin. Colombian. Arrived in the U.S. in 2001. Suspended from ministry in the Diocese of Alexandria in 2/2016 pending the investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct with a female minor during an 8-year period, while assigned in the Baltimore archdiocese. Report in 2009 from a man who said he walked in on Velez and a teenage girl naked in bed. Velez was dog-sitting at the man’s house while he was away. The man said Velez threatened harm to his family in Colombia if he told. Velez and the girl denied the allegations. Faculties removed in Baltimore in 3/2010. The girl became pregnant with Velez’ child. He was transferred to the Diocese of Alexandria. In 2016 the girl told her parish priest in Baltimore that Velez was her child’s father, and the investigation was reopened. Velez admitted the allegations. Criminally charged. Convicted in 2020 of sex abuse of a minor, sentenced to 25 years with all but 9 years suspended. On the Alexandria diocese’s list 2/6/2019 (name spelled “Valez-Lopez.”) Case sent to the Vatican. On Baltimore’s list updated 7/23/2019. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General’s Report. 


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