Father Luis Jesus Barajas Arias
Diocese of Harrisburg/Order of the Most Blessed Trinity
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Fr. Luis Barajas:
Father Luis Jesus Barajas Arias was ordained in 1982. He was assigned to the Diocese of Harrisburg from March 1987 to November 1989. Barajas was a member of the Trinitarian Order at the time he was assigned in the Diocese of Harrisburg. While in the Diocese, he ministered to the Spanish-speaking communities in Lebanon and York. Pennsylvania. In 1989, the Diocese received a report of sexual abuse. The Diocese of Harrisburg removed his faculties to exercise as a priest in the Diocese and he returned to his native Columbia. The Archdiocese of New York subsequently reached out to the Harrisburg diocese with an allegation of sexual misconduct regarding Barajas.
Father Luis Jesus Barajas Arias’ name first appeared on the Diocese of Harrisburg’s August 2018 list of priests accused of “indecent behavior.” No information was offered as to the nature of the misconduct alleged against Barajas, nor even the number of allegations made against him.
Barajas was arrested in Virginia in 2019 on a charge of felony misconduct with a minor, police said. According to media reports, authorities ultimately declined to prosecute the former priest on that allegation.
In October 2023, Barajas, age 76, was arrested in Ohio for allegedly molesting a 15-year old female cancer patient in her home on October 10, 2023 at an unsanctioned blessing ceremony in Westlake, Ohio. The girl’s family had previously heard about Barajas because he was visiting the area and performing spiritual ceremonies, primarily for Spanish speakers there. Barajas was criminally charged with one felony count of gross sexual imposition. Barajas subsequently pleaded guilty to the felony. On February 28, 2024, Barajas was sentenced in Cuyahoga County to 15 months in prison.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Harrisburg may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.