Fr. Nicolas Aguilar-Rivera

Ordained: 1970
Status: Charged

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Priest of the the diocese of Tehuacan, Mexico, where he was accused in 1987. Would have young men and teenagers spend the night with him at his parish rectory. Severely beaten in 1986 or 1987, possibly one or more of these guests. Sent to the U.S. Archdiocese of Los Angeles, assigned to a parish. Warrant issued 1988 for abuse of at least two boys. L.A. archdiocesan officials didn’t contact police until after confronting Aguilar. Fled to Mexico. Reportedly abused at least 26 boys in L.A. in 10 months. Estimated to have abused at least 60 children in Mexico, before and after his time in the U.S. Criminally charged in Mexico in 1997, convicted in 2003. Not sentenced, allowed to stay in ministry. In 9/2006, some survivors filed suit in L.A. accusing a Cardinal from Mexico of covering up Aguilar’s past and helping him transfer to U.S. before abuse. Laicization announced in 7/2009. New suits 6/2009, 8/2010, 12/2010 and 3/2013. Personnel files released 1/2013. Settlement of 11 claims 2/18/2014. Suit filed 6/2014 by two brothers claiming Aguilar sexually abused them at St. Agatha’s in L.A. in 1987, when they were ages 9-11; settled 12/2015. In 2013 was known to be wanted for sexual abuse in Mexico and L.A. Reportedly in 12/2020, the Archdiocese of Mexico City said they believed Aguilar was dead and that they were not aware of complaints against him.


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