Two Brothers Join in Accusing Priest of Abuse

Two brothers have come forward to their parents alleging sexual misconduct from their priest, Father Alex Castillo, as reported by the Contra Costa Times.

Father Alex Castillo is with Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and the Diocese of San Bernardino.The boy's parents contacted the diocese on June 24 and informed them of their children's abuse claims. 

Father Alex Castillo, not yet criminally charged, maintains his innocence.

John Andrews, spokesperson for the diocesan stated, "The Diocese of San Bernardino has received information regarding credible allegations of sexual misconduct with minors involving Father Alex Castillo, a priest of our diocese."

An earlier complaint was made against Father Castillo - found without merit by the diocese - was lodged by an adult. Castillo has been with the diocese since 1988.

While still allowed to work as a pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Castillo is no longer allowed to have any contact with his parishioners.

Police were informed the next day, June 25, but have not yet charged Castillo. Sergeant  David McBride started the investigation in early July and was unable to provide any further information on the case.

The diocese review board has met twice, since the allegation was made, to investigate the charges.

The diocese and Bishop Gerald Barnes found the allegations to be credible in this case and Andrews publicly announced, "We are very saddened by these allegations. Any acts of abuse against a child is unacceptable, criminal and a sin in the eyes of our faith."

The national director of the St. Louis-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, SNAP, said, "They are handling it terribly. Since 2002, the Catholic Church has pledged to be open and transparent on child sex abuse cases, they obviously are not.  It's just irresponsible to keep a serious allegation confidential from the public."

Andrews contends that the church is working to prevent abuse by changing policies and procedures.

All parishes where Castillo has served as a rector - Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. George Catholic Parish in Ontario, as well as both St. Catherine of Siena and St. Anthony in San Bernardino - received letters from the diocese to be read aloud to parishioners.

Castillo served the diocese in 1988 at St. Anthony Parish, moved to working in the Pastoral Center in Ministry from 1991 to 1996, and in 1996 to 2000 worked for a state organization that represents bishops, the California Catholic Conference.

From 2000 to 2003 he returned to San Bernardino and served as a priest at St. Catherine of Siena, moving over to Our Lady of Guadalupe in 2003.  From 2006 to 2008 he served at St. George.

Castillo was in the news earlier this summer as he sent a letter to Mayor Paul Leon requesting that the City Council oppose Arizona Senate Bill 1070 - the illegal immigration enforcement law - on behalf of Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church parishioners.  The City Council refused to involve themselves.

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