A Catholic priest in Nampa, Idaho has been arrested on charges of sexual battery involving a minor. Robert Mendez Esquivel, 45, an associate pastor at St. Paul’s Catholic Church — known to parishioners as “Father Toto” — was taken into custody Wednesday evening.
According to Nampa Police, Esquivel was booked into the Canyon County Jail and faces a felony charge of sexual battery of a minor child aged sixteen or seventeen. Esquivel joined the parish in 2022 and has been involved with church ministries such as “Courage and Encourage,” which focus on supporting individuals with same-sex attraction within the framework of Catholic teachings.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and more details are expected to be released.
The Diocese of Boise responded to the arrest with a public statement expressing sorrow and affirming their cooperation with law enforcement. “St. Paul’s and the Diocese are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so as this unfolds,” the statement read. “We humbly ask for your prayers for all involved and the Catholic community of St. Paul’s.”
