News Releases

Jaime Arriaga Pedroza, 41, is accused of sexually abusing a child in February and March 2025 while serving as a priest in Downey

DOWNEY, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that a Downey priest has been charged with committing multiple sex crimes against a child between February and March of this year.

“This case alleges unconscionable criminal conduct by a trusted religious leader,” District Attorney Hochman said. “I commend the bravery of the young victim for coming forward under such difficult circumstances. We are working closely with law enforcement and urge the public to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with any information on the defendant or potential additional victims. My office will prosecute child sexual abusers to the full extent of the law.”

On April 7, Jaime Arriaga Pedroza (dob 9/24/83) was charged in case 25CJCF01837 with one felony count of assault with intent to commit lewd acts upon a child and five felony counts of lewd act upon a child aged 14 or 15 by a person at least 10 years older.

On or between Feb. 8, 2025 and March 21, 2025, the defendant allegedly committed multiple lewd acts on a child aged 14 or 15. On or about March 22, 2025, the defendant allegedly assaulted the victim with the intent to commit lewd acts upon a child. The defendant served as a priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey during this time.

Pedroza was arraigned April 7 and pleaded not guilty. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for June 5 in Department 37 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. As requested by prosecutors, he is being held without bail for public safety.

If convicted as charged, Pedroza faces a possible maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison and would be required to register as a sex offender for life.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Catherine Mariano of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Additional victims or anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau at 877-710-LASD (5273). Information can be reported anonymously by phone to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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