Fr. Samuel Orellana Mendoza: Accused of Sexual Misconduct With Minors

Fr. Samuel Orellana Mendoza

Ordained: 1968
Assignments:
  • 1968-1981: Unknown
  • 1982-1986: Sacred Heart a/k/a Sagrado Corazon, Compton, CA
  • 1987: Incardinated into the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
  • 1987-1991: St. Matthias, Huntington Park, CA
  • 1992: St. Anne, Santa Monica, CA
  • 1993-1995: Our Lady of Peace, North Hills, CA
  • 1996-2002: St. Anthony of Padua, Gardena, CA
  • 2003-2004: Presentation of Mary, Los Angeles
  • 2005-2018: Unknown

Fr. Samuel Orellana Mendoza was ordained in El Salvador in 1968 and incardinated into the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1987. At least one survivor has come forward alleging child sexual abuse by Fr. Orellana, in approximately 1987, while he worked at Sagrado Corazon in Compton. The Archdiocese investigated the claim and found no grounds to remove Fr. Orellana from ministry. He was named in a civil lawsuit in 2003. At least one claim against Fr. Orellana was included in the Archdiocese’s 2006 settlement with survivors of child sexual abuse. Fr. Orellana was included in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ list of priests accused of sexual misconduct involving minors. As of 2014, it is believed Fr. Orellana Mendoza was residing in Winchester, CA. His status as a priest, current whereabouts, and whether he has access to children are unknown.