Hermy Dave O. Ceniza: Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Hermy Dave O. Ceniza

Ordained: 1977
Assignments:
  • 1978-1990 Unknown
  • 1991-1992 St. Gregory, San Mateo, CA (SFR)
  • 1993 St. Francis, Bakersfield, CA (FRS)
  • 1994-2019 Unknown

In 2010, a man sued the Diocese of Fresno for fraud, claiming the Church had “duped” him concerning sexualabuse perpetrated by Fr. Hermy Dave O. Ceniza that had occurred nearly 20 years previously. The plaintiff, who at thebeginning of the abuse was a minor, alleges he was sexually abused by Fr. Ceniza for two years in approximately 1991 when Fr. Ceniza worked at St. Francis in Bakersfield, California. After the survivor brought the child sexual abuse to the attention of Bishop Steinbock, he was given the promise that Fr. Ceniza would no longer be a priest or have access to children. Having been given that promise, the boy agreed to not pursue legal action. Two decades later, upon hearing about another case involving the Diocese of Fresno, alleging that a priest accused of sexual abuse had been secretly moved to another parish, the plaintiff looked into what happened to Fr. Ceniza. After finding that Fr. Ceniza remained a priest, the plaintiff reportedly decided to sue. Fr. Ceniza’s status as a priest, current whereabouts, and whether he has access to children are unknown.