Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Fr. Robert Gerald Aguirre

Who Is Father Robert Gerald Aguirre?

Fr. Robert Gerald Aguirre is a former priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Orange who is accused of child sexual abuse.

He served as a priest for more than two decades, holding assignments in both California and Illinois. Survivors have reported abuse during his ministry in both Illinois and California.

If you or someone you love was harmed by Fr. Aguirre, you may have the right to file a civil claim. Our clergy abuse lawyer team helps survivors document what happened, uncover institutional failures, and pursue accountability from the dioceses that supervised him.

Public Identification and Clergy Status

The Archdiocese of Chicago added Fr. Aguirre to its list of clergy with substantiated allegations on May 4, 2023. 

The update was part of the Archdiocese’s ongoing review of historical files and survivor reports. Many names were added or reclassified during this 2023 update to reflect substantiated findings

This designation reflects the Archdiocese’s formal determination that the accusations were credible.

Key Clergy Status Facts

• Ordained: 1983
• Service in California: mid-1980s to mid-1990s
• Return to Illinois ministry: mid-1990s through 2007
• Resigned from ministry: January 2007 (Restricted and monitored prior to removal from the clerical state)
• Laicized: March 2014
• Publicly listed among priests accused of sexual abuse in Illinois: 2023

These official actions strengthen survivor claims by showing that Church authorities investigated his conduct and removed him from ministry following credible allegations.

Assignments in the Diocese of Orange

Before returning to Illinois, Fr. Aguirre served in several parishes within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. His assignment history helps identify potential survivors and clarify where institutional oversight may have failed.

Documented assignments include:

• St. Catherine of Siena, Laguna Beach (1984–1988)
• Holy Family, Orange (1988–1992)
• St. Irenaeus, Cypress (1992–1995)

He also held early pastoral roles following his 1983 ordination, likely involving transitional assignments within California’s diocesan structure.

Anyone who interacted with Fr. Aguirre during his California ministry may have important information for a civil investigation.

Ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago

After leaving California, Fr. Aguirre continued serving as a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. 

Records indicate he worked in multiple parish roles and held responsibilities commonly assigned to parish clergy, which may have included youth ministry, sacramental preparation, or pastoral outreach.

He remained in active ministry until his resignation in January 2007. Following internal review, the Archdiocese restricted his faculties and later removed him from the clerical state in 2014.

Institutional Actions and Transfer Concerns

Cases involving Fr. Aguirre raise important questions about what diocesan leaders knew during his assignments and whether any concerns were documented before his transfer from California to Illinois.

Investigators generally review:

• Whether the Diocese of Orange had received complaints or warnings
• Whether concerns were communicated during his move to Chicago
• How Chicago officials responded to any early reports
• Whether parish communities were ever informed of potential risk
• What internal files or evaluations reveal about his conduct

These records often play a critical role in establishing whether a diocese failed to act despite having information that should have prompted intervention.

Your Options if You Were Harmed by Father Aguirre

Survivors in both Illinois and California may still be eligible to bring a civil claim, even if the abuse took place many years ago. These cases focus on documenting the abuse and evaluating whether institutional decisions contributed to the harm.

Financial recovery may include compensation for therapy, long-term psychological effects, and other losses connected to the abuse. Speaking with an attorney helps protect your rights and determine next steps.

Speak With a Clergy Abuse Attorney

If you were abused by Fr. Robert Gerald Aguirre in Chicago or Orange County, our team is ready to help. We offer confidential consultations and guide survivors through the legal process with sensitivity and respect. You owe no fees unless we obtain compensation for you.