Catholic Priest

Alberto Battagliola

Ordained: 1963

In 2003, Rev. Orlando Alberto Battagliola (Battaglio) was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old altar boy in the early 1970s.  The alleged abuse occurred while Battagliola was assigned to the Mission Church and School in San Luis Obispo. The victim alleged that Battagliola had befriended the boy’s family and slowly began to groom the young teenager, buying him pizza and gifts.  After the boy obtained his driving permit, Battagliola invited him driving and offered the use of his car to practice.  Once alone, Battagliola served the boy alcohol until he was intoxicated and then proceeded to sexually abuse him.

Battagliola, a native of Argentina, was found murdered in 1977 after checking into a San Francisco hotel room with a 20-something unidentified male.

Father Battagliola's Assignments

PlacementCity/StateDate(s)
St. Katherine'sDel Ray, CA1963..1964
St. Lucy'sFowler, CA1963..1964
Our Lady of SorrowsParlier, CA1964..1965
Our Lady of SolitudeSoledad, CA1965..1971
San Luis Obispo Old Mission SchoolSan Luis Obispo, CA1971..1974
Our Lady of RefugeCastroville, CA1974..1977
Boy Scouts of AmericaCastroville, CA1974..1977

Articles about Father Battagliola

John A. Bradley
Richard Delahunty