Fr. Daniel M. Balizan
Pastor of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community in 8/2022 when suspended due to an allegation that he sexually abused a boy, age 15, ten years prior. His accuser sued in 10/2022. Balizan had been assigned to the parish since 2012. Arrested in 6/2023. Pleaded not guilty. Subject of a two other lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse while at Santa Maria de la Paz. Allowed to await trial from home, on house arrest with electronic monitoring. Trial was set for 9/11/2023. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 2/19/2024. In 5/2024 Balizan agreed to plead guilty. Died by suicide 5/24/24, hours before his scheduled plea hearing.
- Santa Fe New Mexican 08.01.22
- Santa Fe New Mexican 10.13.22
- U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of New Mexico 06.29.23
- Archdiocese of Santa Fe 06.29.23
- Catholic News Agency 06.30.23
- Albuquerque Journal 06.29.23
- KRQE 07.03.23
- Santa Fe New Mexican 07.04.23
- Santa Fe New Mexican 07.07.23
- Santa Fe New Mexican 07.29.23
- Archdiocese of Santa Fe List 02.19.24
- Santa Fe New Mexican 05.03.24
- KRQE 05.24.24
- Albuquerque Journal 05.24.24
- Santa Fe New Mexican 05.24.24
- KOB 05.24.24
- KRTN 05.27.24
- Catholic Review 05.28.24
Sources:
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