Prosecution Requests Dismissal of Priest Accused of Minor Sexual Abuse in Simoca

Priest Pablo Valdez, accused of sexual abuse of a minor, faces potential dismissal from prosecution following a request by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPF). The case, which has seen multiple shifts in legal handling, now stands at a critical juncture as the MPF seeks to close the file.

The incident came to light in May 2022, when neighbors and relatives of the victim discovered the abuse and attempted to lynch Valdez at the Our Lady of Mercy parish in Simoca. Police intervention was necessary to prevent further escalation, and the young woman reportedly fainted amid the chaos.

The case was initially handled by prosecutor Eugenia Posse, who filed it twice. Luciana Gramaglio, a lawyer representing the minor, noted that the investigation concluded the actions did not constitute a sexual offense but were deemed “morally reprehensible.” The investigator suggested the minor had consented to the relationship, a claim that has been contested.

When the victim reached the age of majority, she sought to restart the investigation. Accompanied by Gramaglio and other legal representatives, she requested the case be dismissed. The Tribunal of Impugnation declared the file null and void, citing it as an arbitrary act that hindered access to justice.

The case was then reassigned to prosecutor Mónica García, who uncovered sufficient evidence to pursue Valdez’s impeachment. On November 26, Judge Mario Velázquez confirmed Valdez’s accusation of aggravated sexual abuse, criticizing the previous handling of the case as incondible and lacking in attention to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the fiscal unit.

The legal proceedings continue, with the potential for Valdez’s case to be dismissed or pursued further, depending on the outcome of the MPF’s request. The situation highlights the complexities of handling such cases, balancing legal procedures with the need for justice and accountability.

The case underscores the importance of protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that those in positions of influence are held to the same standards as any other individual. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on upholding justice and providing support to those affected.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)