Fr. Mario Cimmarrusti

Minor seminary faculty member in OR and CA 1958-1970. Parish priest. Assigned 1970-1981 to a medical dispensary in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico in the Diocese of Ciudad Obregon. Treated at Servants of the Paraclete center 1981-1982. Admitted to mental health professionals to sexually abusing hundreds of boys. Accused in 1993 of abuse of boys at St. Anthony Minor seminary in Santa Barbara. Per the L.A. archdiocese, there were 12 accusers claiming abuse 1962-1969. One former St. Anthony’s student said he reported attempted rape by Cimmarrusti to the seminary rector in 1965 and was expelled. Cimmarrusti is said to have required students to submit to his “examining” their genitalia for proper development, and hernia checks. He used embarrassment, humiliation and threats. His accusers describe violent spankings during which Cimmarrusti was clearly sexually aroused, after which he would pray for his victims while pressing their faces into his groin. They said he would then threaten them with eternal damnation. Named in a 2003 civil suit. Civil settlements in 3/2006.  Last known address was San Damiano Retreat House in Danville CA. Personnel file released in 5/2012. Died 11/23/2013. On Oakland diocese’s list in 2019. On the Santa Barbara Province Franciscans list 5/31/2019. It notes allegations of the sexual abuse of minors 1962-1969 reported in 1993 and 2004. On the Diocese of Stockton’s 12/2020 list, where he worked 1982-1985.