Father Francisco Hernandez-Tovar
Diocese of Sacramento
Ordained: 1980
Removed: 2008
Assignment History:
- 1986-1990: Our Lady of Lourdes (Colusa, CA)
- 1990-1999: Our Lady of the Assumption (Truckee, CA)
- 1999-2000: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Sacramento, CA)
- 2000-2002: St. Peter (Sacramento, CA)
- 2002-2003: St. Joseph (Rio Vista, CA)
- 2003-2007: St. Catherine of Siena (Vallejo, CA)
- 2007-2008: St. Isidore (Yuba City, CA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Francisco Hernandez-Tovar:
According to media reports, in 2008, it was alleged that Fr. Francisco Hernandez-Tovar sexually abused and molested a 13-year-old boy while serving at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Colusa, CA, from 1986-1988. In the wake of the allegations, Hernandez-Tovar was placed on leave and eventually removed from ministry after the Sacramento Diocese’s investigation found it credible. The Bishop of Sacramento stated that Hernandez-Tovar would no longer receive a salary from the diocese or be permitted to reside on church property. A lawsuit was filed against the Salesian Order, but the statute of limitations had run out.
Over the years, Hernandez-Tovar worked in 13 parishes from the Sacramento area to Red Bluff, mainly ministering to Spanish-speaking worshipers. Failing health forced Hernandez-Tovar to give up full-time ministerial work a few years prior to his removal.
According to Sacramento officials, Hernandez-Tovar still resides in the Sacramento area, but there is no information about how he is spending the remainder of his years.
Hernandez-Tovar is included on the Diocese of Sacramento list of priests credibly accused of child sexual abuse.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Sacramento in California. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in one of California’s Catholic dioceses, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Sacramento now have legal options due to a temporary change in the law, 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 California and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.