Ordination: 1972

Notes: Fr. Gustavo Benson was charged with sexually abusing an altar boy in 1987 while he was at St. Joseph Church in Barstow, to which he pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years’ probation. After being sentenced to probation, Fr. Benson was allegedly moved to Mexico. Four years later, Fr. Benson was allegedly moved to the Tijuana Diocese, which was allegedly warned about Fr. Benson’s history of sexual abuse, but nevertheless incardinated him. In 2004, Fr. Benson was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old altar boy while working in Colton in 1985. As of 2010, Fr. Benson was believed to be an active priest in Ensenada, Mexico. Fr. Benson was included in the Diocese of San Diego’s list of priests where the Diocese has received a credible allegation involving sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Diocese of San Bernardino’s list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse. According to the Diocese of San Bernardino, Fr. Benson was removed from the priesthood. Fr. Benson was believed to be residing in Tucson, Arizona as of 2017. His current whereabouts and whether he has access to children are unknown.

Assignments:

1973-1975 St. John Church, Encinitas, CA

1976-1977 St. Mary Church, Oceanside, CA

1978 Our Lady of Guadalupe, San Bernardino, CA

1979-1983 San Salvador Church, Colton, CA

1984 Immaculate Conception, Colton, CA

1985 St. Joseph Church, Barstow, CA

1986 St. Philip Neri Church, Barstow, CA

1987 On Leave

1988-1991 On Duty Outside the Diocese

1992-2018 Unknown