Father Loren Riebe (a/k/a Lawrence "Larry" Riebe)
Ordained: 1970
Removed: 1997
Assigned as follows:
- 1970-1975 St. Anne (Santa Monica, CA)
- 1975-1976 Tenejapa (Ciapas, Mexico)
- 1976-1984 On Duty Outside the Archdiocese
- 1976-1995 Yajalon (Chiapas, Mexico)
- 1996-1997 St. Maria Goretti (Scottsdale, AZ)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Loren Riebe :
According to media reports, in early 2008, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles began notifying dioceses throughout the country that it had several credible allegations against Father Loren Riebe of sexual misconduct with minors dating from the early 1970s. Issues involving alcohol and substance abuse were reported amidst allegations that he had inappropriate sexual conduct with women, as well.
Later that year, the Diocese of Phoenix published a Community Notification Statement which reported that Father Loren Riebe had been accused by multiple people of child sexual abuse in Los Angeles, California, from approximately 1970 to 1975. Father Riebe reportedly spent the next two decaded working as a priest in Mexico until he was deported in 1995, amidst allegations that he had molested teenage boys.
In 1997, Father Riebe returned to Arizona to operate a foundation called Mission Teaching Foundation and had presented mission appeals to various parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix.
In 2008, he was incardinated into the Diocese of San Cristobal de las Casa, Chiapas, Mexico. Father Riebe was allowed to stay at St. Timothy's Catholic Community rectory in Mesa, Arizona, in 2009 and 2011, even after the Diocese of Phoenix warned him not to take in the priest.
Father Riebe is listed on the Diocese of Phoenix's list of "Names of priests and deacons from other dioceses who may no longer serve in the Diocese of Phoenix due to an accusation of sexual misconduct with a minor."
As of 2016, it is believed Father Riebe was residing in Los Angeles. His current status as a priest, whereabouts and whether he has access to children are unknown.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Phoenix. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Phoenix, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Phoenix now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.