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2 sources·Started 4d ago·Updated 3d ago
Priest sentenced to 21 years for assaulting nun during confession in Tijuana
Noel Sebastián D’MelloÁngel Manuel GuillénTijuanaBaja CaliforniaFiscalía General del Estado de Baja CaliforniaMisioneros de la CaridadArquidiócesis de TijuanaNuestra Señora de los Dolores
Sources
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INEX
Coverage
2articles
A Catholic priest in Tijuana, Baja California, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the aggravated sexual assault of a nun during a confession appointment. Judge Ángel Manuel Guillén found the priest guilty of "violación impropia agravada" (aggravated improper rape), a crime under Article 179 of the state penal code that carries penalties of 15 to 27 years Source: Infobae.
The crime
The assault occurred on November 9, 2020, at a church in Tijuana. The victim had come for a scheduled confession, trusting the priest's spiritual authority. According to the court, the priest overpowered her, led her to an upper room, and sexually assaulted her. The nun told investigators she was paralyzed with fear: "When I am in danger I remain paralyzed, I can't scream… my voice doesn't come out; I couldn't do anything" Source: Excelsior. After the attack, the priest reportedly called it a "human need," absolved her, and urged her not to report it Source: Infobae.
The sentence
The judge imposed 21 years in prison, midway between the statutory minimum and maximum, citing the victim's vulnerability as a woman and a nun, and the priest's exploitation of his position Source: Infobae. In addition, the court ordered fines and compensation: 21,720 pesos for the fine and 34,320 pesos for material damages, plus 143,352 pesos for moral damages Source: Infobae.
Church and legal response
The nun first reported the assault to her religious superiors, then to ecclesiastical authorities. With no progress, she filed a criminal complaint in June 2021 Source: Excelsior. The Archdiocese of Tijuana initially suspended the priest for five years, but he was later reinstated as a vicar before the criminal case concluded Source: Excelsior. The priest, identified as Noel Sebastián D’Mello Source: Excelsior (referred to as Noel "N" in other outlets), is a member of the Missionaries of Charity order Source: Excelsior. His defense had sought delays, but the court ultimately upheld the conviction.
Sources
4 quotesInfobae↗
“El juez Ángel Manuel Guillén dictó una condena de 21 años de prisión al sacerdote Noel “N” por el delito de violación impropia agravada contra una monja en Tijuana, Baja California.”
Excelsior↗
“Cuando estoy en un peligro me quedo paralizada, no puedo gritar… no me sale la voz; no pude hacer nada.”
Infobae↗
“Además de la pena de prisión, el tribunal impuso a Noel “N” una multa de 21 mil 720 pesos y lo condenó a pagar 34 mil 320 pesos por daño material, así como 143 mil 352 pesos por daño moral.”
Excelsior↗
“Antes de que concluyera el proceso penal y el procedimiento canónico, Noel Sebastián D’Mello fue reincorporado a sus funciones como vicario en el Templo de San Ignacio de Loyola.”