Who is Jaime Arriaga-Pedroza? LA Priest accused of sexually abusing a ‘minor’

Los Angeles Police urge public assistance in the case against the priest arrested for alleged child sexual abuse.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help in the case against the Catholic priest recently arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child.

The LAPD calls for information related to Rev. Jaime Arriaga-Pedroza's arrest for alleged sexual abuse of a minor. (Representational Image) (HT Photo) (HT_PRINT)

Rev. Jaime Arriaga-Pedroza, 41, was taken into custody on Thursday following a report the Archdiocese of Los Angeles received “alleging sexual misconduct involving a minor” just a day earlier.

The report detailed allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor was swiftly passed on to LASD, per church officials.

“The Archdiocese has a long-standing commitment to the protection of minors and the reporting and prevention of abuse. 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,” the Archdiocese said in an official statement.

Who is Jaime Arriaga-Pedroza?

Arriaga-Pedroza had only been ordained as a priest in June 2023. He was serving at two parishes — Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Downey and Saint Louis of France Catholic Church in La Puente. The alleged “sexual misconduct involving a minor” occurred on March 22, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

LASD has not disclosed the child’s age.

The priest now faces eight felony charges related to sexual abuse. He is currently being held without bail at Men’s Central Jail and is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles Municipal Court on June 5.

Investigators believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. They’re asking anyone with information or concerns to reach out through 877-710-LASD (5273) or Sgt. Joseph Cerda at 213-264-8732.