Father Michael Sintef
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Ordained: 1981
Left ministry: Unknown
Assigned as follows:
- 1981-1985 St. John the Baptist (Baldwin Park, CA)
- 1985-1988 St. Genevieve’s (Van Nuys, CA)
- 1989-1997 Not listed in Directories
- 2000 Not listed in Directories
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Michael Sintef:
Father Michael Sintef was ordained a priest in 1981 who served in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. According to media reports, he was ‘involved’ sexually with a 17-year old girl when he was age 30. In a 2018 interview, he acknowledged that when she was 15 she “caught his eye.” The girl told her therapist, who called the police. The investigator’s report stated that the “Minor has disclosed to counselor that she has been having sexual activity with her parish priest, Father Mike … heavy petting and kissing. They watch television together when her parents have gone to bed.”
No criminal charges were brought, but the police informed the Archdiocese of Los Angeles which gave Father Sintef a warning. The ‘relationship’ continued for several more years. He was sent for treatment in Maryland, and then left the priesthood.
In January 2013, Father Sintef’s name appeared on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors. As of 2018, he was practicing hypnotherapy and living in West Marin, California with his wife and daughter.
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