Ontario Priest to Be Released from Jail

By Lori Fowler
Daily Bulletin
May 23, 2012

http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_20689730/ontario-priest-be-released-from-jail

Rev. Alejandro Castillo, 58

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - An Ontario priest has admitted to violating two terms of his probation, but will be released from jail later today.

The Rev. Alejandro Castillo admitted that he associated with boys under 18 years old as well as minors at a surprise party in his honor.

Castillo's lawyer and probation officials agreed that his punishment would be the 15 days that he has already served in custody since being arrested for the probation violations.

"First of all, tomorrow report to probation. Second, do not wind up in a place where this sort of situation happens again," Judge Stephan Saleson said to Castillo. "Were it to happen again, you are to leave."

Castillo was found guilty in 2011 of molesting a 12-year-old boy at his parish. He was released early from jail on April 21.

He returned to custody for violating the terms of his probation after attending a party in his honor on April 22, authorities said.

Castillo was apparently invited to the surprise party that was put on by the priest's supporters and had children present, which is a violation of Castillo's probation.

The priest said he did not want to be rude to the guests, so he did not leave the party.

"I understand this situation is unusual. Nevertheless, it's up to you to see it doesn't happen again," Saleson said.

Saleson reinstated Castillo's probation with the same terms and conditions.

"If it happens again, there will be a very severe punishment," Deputy District Attorney Karen Schmauss said.

Castillo could go to state prison for a minimum of three years if he again violates the probation terms.

"He is on a very tight leash," Schmauss said.

Schmauss said the court was giving Castillo the benefit of the doubt because he didn't know about the party.

"What works in his favor was the surprise aspect," she said. "What he did wrong was not leave."

Defense Attorney Mike Scafiddi said his client had not had the chance to sit down with his probation officer to go over terms.

Castillo "did everything he was supposed to," Scafiddi said.

Scafiddi said Castillo fully accepts responsibility for his actions.

Earlier this month, Castillo, who ministered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Ontario and previously was in Rialto, initially denied he violated his probation terms after attending the gathering in his honor.

Castillo had been convicted in 2011 of committing lewd sexual acts with a 12-year-old boy and sentenced to one year in prison. After completing his sentence, he was to register as a sex offender.

The boy said that during overnight stays in late 2008 with Castillo, the priest touched his genitals and forced the boy to touch Castillo's genitals, according to authorities.

No criminal charges were filed in connection with four other alleged victims due to insufficient evidence or because the allegations were too old, authorities said.