Fr. Robert E. Freitas

Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/14/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Oakland CA

Sent to treatment and placed on restricted ministry in 1985 after two boys alleged sexual abuse. In 2002, a man told the Diocese that Freitas molested him in 1979. Police were notified. Freitas’ accuser wore a wire during a meeting; Freitas admitted abuse and was arrested. Accuser filed suit. Police believe there were at least four more victims from about the same time frame. Pled guilty in 12/2002; sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation. Released in 6/2003 after a US Supreme Court ruling regarding the statute of limitations. Settlement in 11/2003. Included on the Diocese’s list 2/17/2019. Laicized in 2007. Died 11/14/2011.

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