The former pastor of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community in New Mexico has been arrested. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe said the arrest is related to a clergy sexual abuse case.
Daniel Balizan was booked into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility on Thursday, June 29. Federal court records reveal that a grand jury has charged Balizan with knowingly enticing an underage victim for sexual activity in the fall of 2022, but the indictment is only an allegation, and Balizan is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe said they reported the alleged abuse to authorities in 2022. At the time Balizan was also removed from his role as pastor.
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