John Velez
Ordained: 1988
In 1991, John Jairo Velez admitted to sexually abusing an altar boy in one of the parishes he served at in Salinas, California. A subsequent lawsuit filed by the victim revealed that the diocese sought to cover up the abuse. The victim’s parents were told that the abuse was “not a big deal” and Velez was hidden away at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista (a treatment center for pedophile priests). Velez attempted suicide soon thereafter and church officials responded by escorting him across the border and turning him over to his religious order, the Marists, in Mexico City. Velez is reportedly still a priest, serving somewhere in Latin America. The case against the diocese settled for $1.2 million.
Father Velez's Assignments
| Placement | City/State | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| La Purisima | El Paso, TX | 1989..1990 |
| St. Mary of the Nativity | Salinas, CA | 1990..1991 |
| Christ the King | Salinas, CA | 1990..1991 |
| Assignment unclear | Colombia/Mexico | 1991..onward |
Articles about Father Velez
- Monterey Herald - Man Sues Dioceses Over Alleged Abuse in Salinas, Arizona (06/06/2003)
- Yuma Sun - Sex Case Involving Former Yuma Priest Settled (06/01/2009)
- Monterey Herald - Civil Suit Charts History of Church Abuse in Country (17/05/2009)
- Monterey Herald - Monterey Diocese Settles Abuse Case for $1.2 Million (30/05/2009)
- Monterey Herald - Victim Believed in Priest Who Hurt Him (19/07/2009)
