Los Angeles Archdiocese Priest Arrested on Molestation Charges

“Los Angeles Archdiocese Priest Arrested on Molestation Charges”

Los Angeles – On June 2, 2004,
at about 2:00 p.m., 70 year-old Father Stephen Charles Hernandez,
a retired Catholic priest, surrendered to detectives from the Los
Angeles Police Department’s Sexually Exploited Child Unit. He was
arrested for molesting a teenage boy in 2001, who at the time was
detained in the Los Angeles County juvenile facility.

Father Hernandez was ordained in
1982. He retired from the ministry in 1997, but continued to work
at his parish, Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Los Angeles. His work
included counseling incarcerated youth.

The investigation into Father Hernandez began in April 2002, when
authorities at the detention facility contacted the Sexually
Exploited Child Unit. The investigation included a search of
Father Hernandez’ living quarters and the Rectory at Lady of
Guadalupe.

Father Hernandez is free on bail pending the filing of charges by
the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Because of Father Hernandez’ contact with troubled youth,
detectives believe there may be other victims. A photograph of
Father Hernandez is available at Media Relations Section and can
be E-mailed upon request.

Anyone having any information regarding Father Steven Hernandez
is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department’s
Sexually Exploited Child Unit, at 213-485-2883. On weekends and
during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the
Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer
Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.