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Priest accused of having child porn
Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara was arrested in Long Beach after allegedly possessing more than 600 images of child pornography, including some of children under the age of 12.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - A priest with the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit Religious Order was arrested and charged with felony possession of child pornography on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at a church in Long Beach.
Investigators found that Rodolfo Martinez-Guevara had allegedly over 600 images and videos of child sexual abuse material involving minors under the age of 12 in his possession.
Martinez-Guevara is a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit and is associated with several churches in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
"As a priest, the defendant is in a position of tremendous power, authority and trust," said Ventura District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. "The alleged crimes deeply violate that trust and involve a disturbing number of sexual images involving young boys."
With the help of Ventura County authorities, officials arrested Martinez-Guevara on Wednesday at his residence in the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in Long Beach.
Martinez-Guevara's residence is located across the street from St. Maria Goretti Catholic School, a school that teaches kindergarten through 8th grade students.
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Investigators believe that there could be additional victims. Anyone with information regarding Martinez-Guevara is urged to file a report with their local police department.
Arraignment for Martinez-Guevara will begin Friday, Sept. 15 at Ventura County Superior Court. He is currently being held in custody with bail set at $750,000.