Father Richard Zamorano
Ordained: 1993 (Diocese of El Paso)
Leave of Absence: 2002
Moved to Tucson: 2002
Removed: 2012
Assigned as follows:
- 2002-2012 Salpointe Catholic High School
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Richard Zamorano:
According to media reports, in June 2014, Father Richard Zamorano was named in a civil lawsuit filed against the Diocese of Tucson and the Diocese of El Paso, where Father Zamorano worked at San Elizario Parish before coming to Tucson in 2002. The lawsuit alleged that Father Zamorano sexually abused a "vulnerable adult" with mental, cognitive, and physical disabilities in June 2012.
According to court documents, Father Zamorano allegedly picked the plaintiff up at his home, purchased alcohol for them both, and sexually abused and/or assaulted the victim in a hotel room. The victim reported the incident to the Diocese of Tucson, which immediately reported the allegations to civil authorities.
"Defendants Diocese of Tucson and Diocese of El Paso did not notify parishioners, other individuals and vulnerable adults that defendant Father Zamorano had multiple leaves of absences, nor did they warn parishioners, other individuals or vulnerable adults about defendant Father Zamorano's proclivity to sexually abuse and risk of harm to parishioners like plaintiff," the complaint states.
In June 2012, Father Zamorano was suspended from all priestly ministries from both the Diocese of Tucson and the Diocese of El Paso pending the outcome of the civil authorities' investigation. He was also a teacher at Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson at the time of his removal. After completion of the investigation, the authorities closed the case with no further action. No criminal charges were ever filed against Father Richard Zamorano.
He reported adopted two boys from Mexico in approximately 2002.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Tucson in Arizona. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Arizona, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Tucson now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Arizona and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.