Diocese of Stockton Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Diocese of Stockton sexual abuse allegations have left many individuals and families searching for answers, accountability, and legal support.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we represent victims who were sexually abused by clergy, staff, or others connected to the Stockton Diocese. Our attorneys understand the long-term impact this abuse can have, not just on the victim, but also on their loved ones. We’re here to help you pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, independent of any criminal investigations or church proceedings.

Whether the abuse occurred decades ago or more recently, survivors deserve to have their voices heard and their pain acknowledged. If you or someone you care about was affected, our team is prepared to stand with you and take legal action against those responsible.

Who Are the Priests Accused of Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Stockton?

Records on Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton

Reports of clergy accused of child abuse in California continue to surface, with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton facing its own history of disturbing allegations. Survivors, families, and advocates have pushed for transparency and accountability within the Stockton Diocese, leading to public disclosure of names tied to credible accusations of sexual misconduct involving minors.

According to information compiled by Bishop Accountability, the following individuals have been publicly identified in connection with allegations involving the Diocese of Stockton:

• Fr. Antonio Camacho
• Br. Didachus Clavell
• Fr. Murty M. Fahy
• Fr. Julio Cesar Guarin-Sosa
• Fr. Editho Mascardo
• Fr. Edward J. Noonan
• Fr. Eduardo Perez Torrez
• Fr. Antonio Munoz Rodriguez
• Fr. Fernando Villalobos

These cases reflect only part of the sexual misconduct reported within the Diocese of Stockton. Many victims have not come forward, whether out of fear, shame, or a belief that no one would listen. Others shared their experiences but never saw a formal response from the diocesan review board, particularly in situations involving former clergy, deceased individuals, or those already on permanent leave.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Settlements Involving the Stockton Diocese

Several cases involving child sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton have resulted in legal action, financial settlements, and permanent removal of clergy. These cases highlight repeated failures by the diocese to protect children and respond appropriately to serious allegations.

• Fr. Francis Arakal – Originally from India, Arakal was accused in 2002 of inappropriate touching involving two young girls, ages eleven and thirteen. Though he was cleared of sexual battery by a jury, the family received a $20,000 civil award due to the inappropriate way Arakal and another priest confronted one of the girls. He continued in ministry after the case.
• Fr. Michael Kelly – Kelly’s case is one of the most extensive involving the Stockton Diocese. Originally from Ireland, Kelly was accused of sexual abuse and rape of multiple children dating back to the 1980s. Despite an early psychological report noting “latent pedophilic elements,” he was moved between parishes. He was later found liable by a civil jury in 2012 and fled to Ireland to avoid arrest. The diocese settled that lawsuit for $3.75 million. Additional lawsuits followed, including a 2022 claim involving abuse of a youth soccer referee in 1979. Kelly’s actions led to international investigations, extradition attempts, and continued legal interest even after the plaintiff in one case died.
• Fr. Oliver O’Grady – Perhaps the most notorious priest accused of sexual abuse in California, O’Grady admitted to abusing at least 25 children, both boys and girls. Convicted in 1993, he served seven years in prison and was deported to Ireland in 2000. Multiple lawsuits and settlements followed, including a $7 million payment by the Stockton Diocese and a $3 million settlement by his archdiocese in Ireland. Oliver O’Grady was later convicted of child pornography charges in Ireland and Portugal. Despite repeated convictions, he was released in 2021 and is believed to be living unsupervised.
• Fr. Oscar Pelaez – An extern priest from Colombia, Pelaez abused a young boy over a three-year period. He was arrested in 2002, pleaded guilty, and served half of a six-year prison sentence. Following his conviction, the Diocese of Stockton paid a $1 million settlement to the victim. His name was included in the diocese’s 2014 bankruptcy court filing listing clergy accused of sexual abuse.
• Fr. Leo Suarez – Suarez was permanently removed from ministry in 2009 after admitting he had abused a minor girl during his early assignment at St. Anthony’s in Hughson. Although a police report was filed, no charges were brought due to the statute of limitations. The diocese later settled the matter for $300,000. Suarez was sent for treatment, and his name appeared on the Stockton Diocese’s 2014 list of accused clergy. Later revisions included a 2014 allegation involving abuse in 1996.

How Long After the Clergy Sexual Abuse Occurred Can Victims File Civil Suits?

California’s Assembly Bill Pertaining to Sexual Abuse Claims Involving the Catholic Church

California’s Assembly Bill 218, which became law on January 1, 2020, opened a temporary three-year window that allowed victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits, even if the legal deadline for their claims had previously passed. This special filing period ended on December 31, 2022. During that time, a surge of lawsuits was filed across the state, including many tied to the Diocese of Stockton.

Even though the revival window has closed, many survivors still have a right to pursue legal action under California’s extended statute of limitations for clergy abuse cases. Current law allows a civil lawsuit to be filed until the survivor turns 40, or within five years of realizing that the abuse caused lasting emotional or psychological damage, whichever is later.

How a Stockton Clergy Abuse Attorney Can Help

Choosing to speak up about sexual abuse is never easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. At our California clergy sexual abuse law firm, we are committed to supporting victims who were harmed by clergy, staff, or others tied to the Diocese of Stockton.

We approach every case with care and respect, working to understand your experience and build a path that feels right for you. Whether the abuse happened during childhood or later in life, we help you explore your legal rights, gather the evidence, and take the necessary steps to file a lawsuit, always at your pace.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about was harmed by a member of the Catholic Church or the Diocese of Stockton, you may have the right to file a lawsuit, even if the abuse happened years ago.

At our sex abuse law firm, we offer confidential, no-cost consultations to help you understand your legal options. There’s no obligation to move forward, and no legal fees. Contact us today to speak with an attorney who understands the weight of these cases. Let us help you seek justice.

Other Dioceses in Northern California Where We Can Help You File Claims

• Archdiocese of San Francisco
• Diocese of Oakland
• Diocese of San Jose
• Diocese of Santa Rosa
• Diocese of Sacramento

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.