A clergyman from Malaga, identified as a priest, was taken into custody by the Civil Guard after a restraining order was violated. The alleged harassment targeted the woman he shares a home with, as reported by the victim at the time.
The case involves another priest from the province of Malaga, referred to as Father Fran, who is accused of sedating and sexually abusing multiple women.
According to sources close to the investigation cited by EFE, a priest named Roberto José B., born in Venezuela in 1985, serves in the Olive Taps parish, while the complainant, initials JM, born in Venezuela in 1992, faces allegations of coercion against a woman.
Reports indicate that the complainant lived with the priest, and after a dispute, he reportedly traveled to Madrid. During this period, the priest allegedly made persistent contact through phone calls, text messages, and emails, urging a return to Malaga.
The matter prompted complaints to the Torremolinos police and another at a Madrid police station in October 2022. The case moved forward when the Vélez-Málaga Judicial Police took over, advancing the proceedings as the parties involved relocated to Madrid after the alleged disagreements with RJB.
Harassment on the road
Witnesses say the woman reported a troubling incident in Malaga. While driving on the A-7 near a shopping center in Rincón de la Victoria, the priest reportedly passed the woman at mile 978 and made her laugh, creating a tense moment.
He allegedly then moved in front of her vehicle, slowed down, and when she passed, accelerated again, placed himself behind her, and activated his headlights from a distance of less than two meters. This pattern is described as continuing over a period of time.
The actions occurred despite a prior restraining order that barred him from approaching within 300 meters of the victim’s residence or any place she frequented.
Investigative sources note that the arrest took place on September 4, according to updates provided to Europa Press.
Diocese responds: “This is a matter between two adults”
The Diocese of Malaga is evaluating measures to respond to the priest’s arrest and has emphasized a separation from any religious involvement in this matter. The diocese described the situation as a disagreement between adults.
Diocesan representatives told EFE that they were aware a case existed between the two parties but were not informed of the incident’s gravity before the complaint was filed. The diocese urged both individuals, who are of Venezuelan descent, to settle their personal matters privately and not involve church institutions further.
Sources within the diocese indicate that the organization is actively reviewing the case to determine appropriate actions, including considering the appointment of an interim priest to assignments where the accused priest serves, pending conclusions from the investigation.