Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury returned an indictment charging Luis Barajas, 76, with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old female during a blessing in Westlake, according to a news release.
“Luis Barajas is a predator who took advantage of a 15-year-old during a vulnerable time,” O’Malley said in the release. “This indictment is the first step in holding him accountable.”
Barajas was indicted on six counts of gross sexual imposition.
On Oct. 10, Barajas, acting in the capacity of a retired priest, went to the victim’s residence in Westlake to give her a blessing before her chemotherapy treatment, according to the release.
During the blessing, Barajas inappropriately touched the victim under a blanket, the release said.
This was reported to Westlake Police, and officers responded to the scene.
Barajas was arrested Oct. 23.
He was indicted on Nov. 9.
There have been prior allegations that Barajas has been accused of sexual impropriety with minors, according to the release.
Barajas will be arraigned at Cuyahoga County Justice Center.
