Fr. Francisco Xavier Ochoa

Ordained: 1969
Status: Indicted

Died: 11/30/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Santa Rosa CA

Full name Francisco Xavier Ochoa Perez. Ordained in Mexico for the Jesuits; began working in the Santa Rosa diocese in 1988, incardinated there 7/11/1991. Admitted in 4/2006 to a recent incident of sexual misconduct involving a boy; placed on leave in 5/2006. Admitted past history to bishop. Raped a 14-year-old boy when living in Carichi, Chihuahua, Mexico. Fled to Mexico before bishop reported to police. Others came forward to allege rape and molestation as children by Ochoa. Victims were former altar boys and girls. Two civil suits filed in 10/2006. Diocese and bishop settled with 10 plaintiffs in 9/2007 for a little over $5M. Federal arrest warrant issued 7/27/2008. Charged with 10 counts of forced sodomy and forced oral copulation. Never returned to the U.S. to face charges. Laicized 6/29/2009. Found dead in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico 11/30/2009. On diocese’s list 1/12/2019. Suit filed in 12/2019 under the CA Child Victims Act. Lawsuit(s) in 2022 allege abuse at the Hanna Boys Center.

Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.