Anglican Church priest arrested for series of sex crimes committed during time with Fresno church

FRESNO (CA)
KFSN TV

February 25, 2019

By Corin Hoggard and Jason Oliveira

Fresno Police have arrested an Anglican Church priest for a series of sex crimes during his more than a decade with the local church.

Jesus Antonio Castaneda Serna was arrested early Sunday at the Central Fresno church he started — Holy Spirit.

22 parishioners have come forward to say they’d been victimized by the Anglican Priest but according to police many of the victims are undocumented and afraid to report the crimes to law enforcement.

“He would be facing a maximum of 11 years and six months. That’s why is so important for others to come forward and talk to law enforcement,” said District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp.

The arrest comes after a 13-month investigation. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyers believes the sex crimes date back years and could have hundreds of victims

“It’s our hope that as we progress that we’ll be able to interview all of the 22 victims and we hope other people to come forward,” said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

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