Selma [CA] Priest Removed from Church Over Photos and Accusations of Sex, Drugs, and Weapons

ABC Channel 30 ^ | 11/2/20 | Corin Hoggard

[marshmallow]

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Catholic priest with a past got removed from his church in Selma this weekend over a story of sex, drugs, and weapons.

"You don't expect a priest to be packed, to have those type of weapons," said legal analyst Ralph Torres.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno got a restraining order to protect church employees -- all the way up to Bishop Joseph Brennan -- from one of their own priests.

Father Guadalupe Rios still has his name on the church marquee at St. Joseph's Church in Selma, but the man himself is not allowed within 100 yards of the property.

Several parishioners told us they knew Rios was either in a gang or affiliated with one, as the diocese mentioned in their application for a restraining order against him.

Parishioners have also seen social media photos of Rios with an AK-47 or an AR-556 or a .357 Magnum.

So they were afraid to be interviewed.

"The fact that he is having photographs published like that, to me, would be a little disturbing and certainly something you would think the bishop would've nipped in the bud," said Melanie Sakoda, a survivor support specialist for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

[lee martell]

If COVID had not put Hollywood on ice, I would expect a movie to be made about this priest. It has all the features of a modern hit film;
A bold charismatic personality, a very popular priest, who wants to serve the Lord, but has not yet cut his ties to the Gangs, and takes a disturbing pride in the remaining connections.

[Skywise]

Aside from the sexual relations part - he’s not in violation of any priests’ oath by owning guns or... drinking.

I’m curious, though, as to why the church AND the bishop is in fear of this guy.

[Fiji Hill]

Selma, the Raisin Capital of the World, is the hometown of Victor Davis Hanson, one of the most popular pundits on this board.

[lee martell]

Someone of his character is likely to be misappropriating
(aka Stealing) Church funds. If he still has ties to gangs, he is vulnerable for blackmail for all manner of reasons.

Oh, and anyone who would point a gun to his head AND threaten his lover is a control freak and extremely unstable. Keep him away from the parish at all costs!

[Redcitizen]

This priest is missing the rock n roll music. He’s got everything else.

[Deaf Smith]

An AR-556

That must be at least 37 times bigger that a AR-15.

s/

[LouAvul]

Viola. The Ruger AR-556.

Ruger AR-556

I own one. Nice little utilitarian weapon. Very basic. I also have a Daniel Defense that is more enduring. And a Sig 716. Also a S&W M&P 15 PC.

But the Ruger is the one by the bed. Along with a Sig P220 SAE 45 ACP.