San Antonio Catholic priest arrested on sexual assault charges (San Antonio, Texas)

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office arrested a San Antonio Catholic priest on Tuesday, September 26, following sexual assault allegations. Sheriff Javier Salazar announced the arrest during a press conference, stating that the priest, George Mbugua Ndungu, known as “Father Janjuri,” has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony.

Ndungu, 42, has served at multiple churches in the San Antonio area since 2017, including Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. Martin De Porres, and St. Gabriel. In 2018, he also served at St. Ann in La Vernia and St. Mary’s in Stockdale before being transferred to Saints Peter and Paul in New Braunfels in 2019. He was then assigned to St. Thomas the Apostle in Canyon Lake the following year. Most recently, Ndungu was stationed at St. Rose of Lima in San Antonio from 2021 to 2023.

The arrest followed an investigation initiated by the archdiocese, which hired a private investigator to examine the allegations. A woman in her 70s, along with another individual, came forward stating that Ndungu attempted to sexually assault her beginning in November 2022. The allegations include claims of three separate incidents of sexual assault against the elderly woman.

Salazar described the victim as an active church member who relied on Ndungu for spiritual guidance. He noted that the woman, due to personal circumstances, was in a vulnerable position and chose to confide in Ndungu, who allegedly exploited her trust. “He was a sexual predator,” Salazar stated.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio issued a statement urging potential victims to contact law enforcement. The statement emphasized the importance of addressing such matters through appropriate channels, reflecting the church’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of its members.

The case underscores the need for vigilance and integrity within religious institutions, ensuring that those entrusted with spiritual care are held to the highest standards of conduct. It also highlights the critical role of reporting and addressing misconduct to protect the vulnerable.

Source: Read the original report