Father Robert Mendez Esquivel (Fr. Toto) admitted to encounter

Diocese of Boise
Sep 2
2 min read

Updated: Sep 4

Official Statement from Bishop Peter Christensen

September 2, 2025

The Diocese of Boise provides this update regarding the recent arrest of Father Robert Mendez Esquivel (Fr. Toto), on serious felony charges involving a 16-year-old adolescent. As part of our pledge to keep the faithful and the public informed, we are sharing details based on the public probable cause affidavit filed in Canyon County Court. We will do our part by continuing to cooperate fully with our local law enforcement.

According to the public probable cause affidavit, the victim and a user identified as Robert (as we know as Fr. Toto) met through a dating application. After meeting the victim, Fr. Toto then drove to a park in Nampa where the sexual activity occurred. Upon being questioned by law enforcement, Fr. Toto admitted to the encounter, though he claimed he was unaware of the victim’s age.

The Nampa Police Department indicated that “the incident that led to his arrest did not involve a juvenile from the church or its affiliated school.” It’s also important to note that the Diocese has no record of any previous criminal complaints.

The Diocese encourages anyone with information about this case to contact the Nampa Police Department at (208) 465-2257 or Crime Stoppers at (208) 343-COPS. Support for victims is available through our Victim Assistance Coordinator at (208) 350-7556.

We will provide further updates as new information becomes available. Fr. Toto’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 11, 2025, in Canyon County Court.

As a community of faith, let's continue to pray for those involved.