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Photo: The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah; via Wikipedia.
When it comes to religious news in Utah, most people think first of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But Utah’s Catholic community—though smaller—has found itself under renewed scrutiny following allegations involving a former priest.
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has launched a new internal investigation following a report detailing sexual abuse allegations against a former priest who served in Utah during the early 1990s. In a now-removed news release issued Monday, the diocese reiterated its commitment to the safety of children and vulnerable adults and acknowledged an “additional internal investigation” was underway, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Tuesday.
The priest at the center of the latest case, Rev. Heriberto Mejia, served in northern Utah parishes including Ogden’s St. Joseph Parish and Payson’s St. Andres Church between 1990 and 1992. According to the diocese, Mejia was permanently removed from ministry and left Utah in 1992, for what church officials initially described as reasons “unrelated to sexual misconduct.”
However, the Salt Lake Tribune reports that the diocese had in fact told Payson police in August 2019 that Mejia confessed to sexually exploiting two minors in 1991 and had been deported to Colombia. A 2019 internal review conducted by the diocese further revealed an earlier report of sexual abuse made on August 23, 1991, and that Mejia’s priestly privileges were revoked by October 28, 1992.
The diocese’s current vicar general, Rev. John Evans, stated on Monday that the police report mentioned in the Tribune article was not part of the diocese’s existing records but would be taken into consideration as the new internal inquiry proceeds.
The latest allegation surfaced in December 2024, when a former educator within the diocese, Bill Hambleton, wrote a letter to Bishop Oscar Solis, alleging that Mejia had abused him as a teen. The diocese says it promptly reported the claim to authorities and hired two retired law enforcement professionals to conduct an independent investigation. The results of that review have not yet been made public.
The diocese emphasized its intention to carry out a thorough review, stating that the investigation must be guided by “truth, justice and healing.” It has also encouraged anyone with information related to the Mejia case—or any other abuse case involving minors—to contact both the diocese’s Office of Safe Environment and the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Are You A Survivor Of Catholic Clergy Abuse?
If you or someone you know is a survivor of Catholic clergy sexual abuse, learn more about your rights and potential legal options by visiting our Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide.
Additionally, you may fill out the brief, confidential form if you are ready to move forward. By doing so, you may learn if your case qualifies for possible compensation.
