Allegations, Institutional Silence, and Growing Cover-Up Concerns

Fr. Gerson Espinosa Velasco was reassigned—rather than removed from ministry—to Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Paso Robles, California, where he now serves as Parochial Vicar. This decision came despite serious, documented allegations of homosexual predatory conduct involving a male parishioner and despite mounting evidence that Church leadership was placed on direct notice of risk.

According to reporting published by Clean the Church, a formal complaint details allegations that Espinosa engaged in grooming behavior, abuse of spiritual authority, and sexual assault described by the complainant as rape. The documentation includes timelines, communications, and corroborating material that were formally submitted to Church authorities.
(Source: A New Complaint of Rape Against Fr. Gerson Espinosa by a Male Parishioner Raises Urgent Questions the Church Still Refuses to Answer, CleanTheChurch.com)

Rather than being suspended or removed pending investigation, Espinosa was reassigned to parish ministry—placing him back in proximity to the faithful.

Notice Given. Action Refused.

Acting explicitly in accordance with Catholic moral teaching on fraternal correction, safeguarding of souls, and pastoral duty, advocates formally notified the pastor of St. Rose of Lima, Fr. Reynaldo Esquivel, of the allegations and the documented risks.

A first written notice was sent on January 20, detailing the allegations and demanding Espinosa’s immediate removal from parish residence and all ministerial functions. That letter emphasized that when credible risk exists, Catholic teaching prioritizes protection of the faithful over discretion or delay.

Fr. Esquivel did not respond.

A second, more forceful notice followed, stating plainly that continued inaction—after actual notice—would constitute knowing facilitation and cover-up rather than pastoral judgment. A firm deadline of February 5 was given for written confirmation of Espinosa’s removal.

As of publication, no response has been received, and Espinosa remains assigned.

A Pattern Larger Than One Parish

This case does not exist in isolation. Clean the Church has extensively documented a broader culture of corruption and homosexual predation within seminary and clerical structures, particularly at St. John’s Seminary, where misconduct was allegedly normalized and whistleblowers marginalized.
(Source: St. John’s Seminary: A Cesspool of Corruption and Homosexual Predation, CleanTheChurch.com)

Further reporting has examined the enduring influence of networks tied to Cardinal Roger Mahony, whose associates allegedly remained active within seminary and diocesan power structures long after his retirement.
(Source: Mahony’s Cronies Very Active at the St. John’s Seminary Today, CleanTheChurch.com)

Within this context, critics allege that Espinosa is not merely being protected incidentally, but systemically—potentially benefiting from sexual and romantic relationships involving figures such as Durazo and Mahony. While these claims remain allegations, they are consistent with historical patterns documented in multiple Church abuse scandals: reassignment instead of removal, silence instead of accountability.

Why Reassignment Is Not Neutral

Reassignment is not a neutral administrative act. When Church leadership has actual notice of credible allegations and documented risk, allowing a priest to remain in ministry places responsibility squarely on those who permitted continued access.

Catholic teaching is unambiguous on this point: shepherds are judged not only by intent, but by action once danger is known.

Failure to act is itself an action.

Call for Direct, Lawful Accountability

Concerned Catholics, parishioners, and members of the faithful who believe the Church must uphold its own stated zero-tolerance commitments may contact the pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish directly and respectfully demand immediate action.

Fr. Reynaldo Esquivel
Pastor, Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church
📧 frrey@saintrosechurch.org
📞 (805) 238-2218 (public parish number)

Those who reach out should ask, plainly and respectfully:

• why Fr. Espinosa remains in parish ministry despite documented allegations;
• what steps have been taken to safeguard parishioners; and
• why formal written notices invoking Catholic moral duty have gone unanswered.

Sunlight is not persecution. Accountability is not hostility.
The faithful have both a right—and a responsibility—to demand protection of souls.