A Roman Catholic diocese in California has warned churchgoers to be alert for imposters pretending to be Catholic clergymen and charging “exorbitant fees” for blessings and sacraments.
“These imposters are misappropriating the identities of genuine priests in Mexico and conducting unauthorized celebrations of baptism, confirmation, First Communion, and house blessings under false pretenses,” the Diocese of Stockton wrote.
Officials of the Diocese of Stockton have verified that the fake Catholic bishops and priests have used the names of legitimate priests in Mexico, including Father Jose Adan Gonzalez Estrada and Bishop Raul Gomez Gonzalez of the Archdiocese of Toluca to lure in churchgoers who are then charged “exorbitant fees” by the imposters to celebrate sacraments, teach classes, and issue certificates, the alert said.
Even more worryingly, the alleged fraudsters have demanded birth certificate submissions from those participating in the sacraments, which has prompted concerns about human trafficking and identity theft, the Diocese said.
The culprits are allegedly using threats and intimidation when questions are raised regarding their credibility.
“They resort to intimidation tactics against anyone questioning their identity or authority, often threatening legal action for defamation, although these threats lack substance,” the Diocese said.
Law enforcement officials in Modesto, California, have been alerted to the issue, according to the Diocese, however, only victims who have personally been targeted by the imposters can currently file complaints and initiate investigations.
‘Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing’
The Diocese of Stockton also stressed that—with few exceptions—Catholic sacraments are typically administered within Catholic churches, meaning that victims will likely have to have the sacraments performed again at a later date by legitimate officials.“The Diocese strongly advises the public not to be deceived by these ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing,’” the alert concluded.
According to Diocesan spokesperson Erin Haight, the fake Catholic clergymen are charging various victims “thousands of dollars” for communions and confirmations.
Ms. Haight also stressed that the fraudsters are mainly preying on illegal immigrants, migrant workers, and others who “might be afraid to go to law enforcement.”
Sharon Bear, a Modesto police spokesperson, confirmed to NBC News that the Diocese of Stockton has been in contact with the department over the fake clergymen.
However, the spokesperson noted that no investigation is currently underway because no victims have come forward and filed a complaint.
“We advised them to notify the other churches in the area and encourage people who have been harmed to contact us,” Ms. Bear said. “There’s not much more we can do at this point.”
Churchgoers were warned not to participate in any of the events conducted by Leo Suarez because it “ruptures their communion with the Catholic Church and may, in some circumstances, result in the invalid administration of a sacrament.”
