Fr. Fernando Sayasaya
Educated overseas. Ordained for the Fargo diocese. Removed in 8/1998 after a complaint of sex abuse. Reportedly admitted to abusing 3 boys. Fled to the Philippines in 12/1998. Charged in 12/2002 in U.S. with sexually abusing of a boy 1995-1997 and another 1995-1998. Efforts to extradite him to the U.S. for prosecution were initially unsuccessful. Laicization announced 12/2005. A Philippine Court of Appeals ordered him extradited to the U.S. in 4/2012. Arrested in Calamba City, Laguna province 11/19/2017; extradited in 12/2017. Pleaded not guilty 2/16/2018. Pleaded guilty to 2 counts 5/17/2018. Sentenced 10/1/2018 to 20 years in prison and required to register as a sex offender. Given credit for 360 days already spent. Included on the Fargo diocese’s 1/2/2020 list of those with substantiated allegations against them.
- Associated Press 08.19.98
- Grand Forks Herald 02.19.02
- Associated Press 03.12.02
- Grand Forks Herald 03.23.02
- Associated Press 06.25.03
- Bismark Tribune 09.13.03
- Dallas Morning News 12.05.04
- Dallas Morning News 12.05.04
- Grand Forks Herald 12.09.04
- Associated Press 12.01.05
- Grand Forks Herald 12.03.05
- Manilla Times 12.04.05
- Chicago Tribune 03.11.12
- ABS-CBN 04.03.12
- Grand Forks Herald 04.03.12
- Jambo Times 04.03.12
- GMA News 04.03.12
- Inquirer 04.03.12
- Valley News Live 11.19.14
- Agence France-Presse 11.22.17
- Bemidji Pioneer 11.22.17
- Associated Press 11.22.17
- Bismarck Tribune 12.16.17
- KVRR 12.16.17
- Valley News 12.16.17
- SunStar 12.17.17
- Associated Press via Pacific Daily News 12.20.17
- MENAFN 12.22.17
- Jamestown Sun 02.14.18
- Associated Press 02.15.18
- KVRR 04.18.18
- Cache Valley Daily 05.17.18
- In Forum 10.01.18
- Fargo List 01.02.20
Sources:
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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.