Few details are being released about the nature of the threats. The Visalia Police Department took a report from the Catholic Church of Visalia about three weeks ago. It’s unknown how the threats were made or why.
Parishioners, Milton and Magdalene Medeiros were in church on Sunday. They said they were saddened by the news because they really enjoyed Father Serrano.
“We'd come out of church after mass was over with and he'd meet up with us and hug us all the time,” said Milton Medeiros.
The couple believes the priest, who's in his 30's and has been in
“I'm positive he didn't do anything wrong because he was such a great guy,” said Magdalene Medeiros.
The Visalia Police Department is keeping the details of the case confidential.
“If someone is threatening an individual, minimal release of information is best so we don't re-victimize the victim in this case and we don't open them up for additional intimidation,” said Sgt. Amy Watkins, spokesperson for the Visalia Police Department.
Sgt. Amy Watkins says violent crime detectives are tracking down leads. Father Serrano has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
“It is my understanding that he is a victim and was listed as such, and we are not actively investigating any other cases regarding this individual,” said Sgt. Watkins.
Bishop Armando Ochoa released this statement Tuesday regarding the incident:
“In regard to the transfer of Fr. Carlos Serrano, I first want to state that Fr. Carlos Serrano remains a priest in good standing with the Diocese of Fresno. Fr. Serrano has faithfully ministered to those within the Catholic Community of Visalia. I, along with the Catholic Church of Visalia, ask that we keep Fr. Carlos Serrano and all of those concerned and who have been afftected by this unfortunate matter, in our prayers.
Because this remains a personnel issue, I am not at liberty to comment any further in regard to this matter.”
The Diocese of Fresno oversees all catholic churches from