Fake priests charging hundreds of dollars for sacraments, Diocese of Stockton warns
A number of Spanish-speaking conmen posing as Catholic priests from Mexico, have been charging unsuspecting believers in Modesto, California, hundreds of dollars to celebrate sacraments, teach classes and issue certificates and the Diocese of Stockton is warning members of the community to call 911 should they encounter these "wolves in sheep's clothing."
“They resort to intimidation tactics against anyone questioning their identity or authority, often threatening legal action for defamation, although these threats lack substance,” a release from the Diocese of Stockton last Friday said.
The conmen have already exploited the identities of Father José Adán González Estrada and Bishop Raúl Gómez González who are both legitimate priests from Mexico with the Archdiocese of Toluca.
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Lourdes Arvizu, a spokesperson for the diocese of Stockton, told Telemundo 33 that they discovered the scam after individuals called about the visiting priests.
"They called to find out if these priests had permission to give the sacraments here and since everything has to happen through here, if a priest comes from another place, they have to inform the diocese that they are here, that they are going to do certain sacraments," Arvizu said.
Father Jorge Rosas, who is in charge of social communication for the archbishop of Toluca, assured the news outlet that both Adán and González have remained busy with ministry in Mexico.
"Monsignor Raúl attended his office in the morning and Father Adan is in his parish, it cannot be them, furthermore, if they are celebrating sacraments, they need the authorization of the local bishop and these people are deceiving people," Rosas said.
The conmen are reportedly charging $600 per home visit plus $70 for each child they bless.
“They require a birth certificate from people who are performing their sacraments, so it can be used for human trafficking or identity theft,” Arvizu added.
The Diocese of Stockton notes that “with few exceptions, Catholic sacraments are typically administered within Catholic churches. Celebrations of baptism, confirmation, and First Communion in outdoor locations like parks are not aligned with established Catholic practices.”
Local police have already been made aware of the ongoing swindle, but they need victims to come forward in order to begin an investigation.
“The Diocese of Stockton has alerted Modesto law enforcement authorities about this issue. However, it has been communicated that only individuals who have personally fallen victim to these imposters can file complaints and initiate investigations,” the diocese said.
“Anyone victimized by these imposters is urged to dial 911 without hesitation and report the crime. It's imperative to note that the police do not inquire about the caller's immigration status; their primary concern is combatting criminal activities.”
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