Paul R. Valdez

Ordained: 1982

In 1999, an 11-year-old girl attending Sacred Heart School in Salinas told her parents and a teacher that Fr. Paul Valdez had molested her during confession several months earlier.  The school’s principal scolded the girl and even humiliated her in front of the class, saying that the girl was lying and that all the children should keep quiet about the incident.  The principal then downplayed the allegation when reporting to law enforcement.  A subsuent police investigaiton confirmed that school officials had mishandled the incident and revealed that several other girls at the school complained about Valdez.  The family of the girl eventually filed a lawsuit, which the diocese settled for an undisclosed amount. As of 2011, Valdez remained an active priest within the diocese.

Father Valdez's Assignments

Articles about Father Valdez

• Monterey County Herald - Records Show 4 Priests Accused (05/05/2002)
• Monterey County Herald - Alleged Clergy Abuse Mishandled, Report Says (17/05/2002)