A Roman Catholic priest serving in Downey has been arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.
The Rev. Jaime Arriaga, who was ordained in June of last year, surrendered to law enforcement on Thursday, the day after the Archdiocese of Los Angeles “received a report concerning Fr. Jaime Arriaga alleging sexual misconduct involving a minor,” church officials said in a statement.
The Archdiocese reported the allegation to law enforcement and “removed Fr. Arriaga from ministry.” He had been serving as a diocesan priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey since January 2024, first as a transitional deacon and then as a priest, though he has since been scrubbed from the Archdiocese’s website.
Angelus, the news arm of the Archdiocese, said Arriaga, 41, also served at St. Louis of France in La Puente prior to his ordination.
“The Archdiocese has a long-standing commitment to the protection of minors and the reporting and prevention of abuse,” church officials said in a statement. “Allegations of misconduct against anyone serving in the Archdiocese are reported to law enforcement, fully investigated and, under the Zero-Tolerance Policy, anyone who is found to have harmed a minor is permanently removed from any capacity in the Archdiocese. ”
Jail records show Arriaga is being held without bail at Men’s Central Jail. His next appearance in court is scheduled for June 5.
Anyone with information about Arriaga is asked to call law enforcement. Alternatively, tipsters can reach out to the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry at 213-637-7650 or toll-free number 800-355-2545.
“We offer our prayers for everyone impacted by this matter,” church officials said.
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