| For Immediate Release January 30th, 2004 |
Contact: | Mark Macaulay Spokesperson (714) 347-8405 (O) (714) 323-4486 (C) |
CATHOLIC PRIEST PLEADS GUILTY TO MOLESTING A 15- YEAR-OLD GIRL IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE FAMILY CAR
Santa Ana – Father Gerardo Jarencio Tanilong, 72, of Our Lady of Guadalupe-Delhi, in Santa Ana, plead guilty today to 2 felony counts of committing a lewd act upon a child. Father Tanilong faces up to 3 years and 8 months in jail at sentencing.
On July 12, 2003, Father Tanilong was traveling with the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, and her family as they returned from a church function. Father Tanilong was sitting in the back seat of the vehicle along with Jane Doe, 15, when he sexually assaulted her. Jane Doe told her parents about the groping soon after returning home.
Sentencing for Tanilong is set April 2, 2004, in front of Judge Richard Stanford, in courtroom N -10, North Justice Center, 1275 North Berkeley, Fullerton, CA.