Statement from the Diocese of Boise Regarding Sentencing of Rev. Robert Mendez Esquivel

April 29, 2026

Today, in the Canyon County District Court before Judge Vandervelde, Robert Mendez Esquivel was sentenced following his earlier guilty plea to one count of Sexual Battery of a Minor (age 16 or 17).

The Court imposed a sentence of:

3 years fixed followed by 12 years indeterminate, for a total unified sentence of 15 years under Idaho law. The fixed portion represents the time to be served before he is eligible for parole. He will also be required to register as a sex offender with the State of Idaho.

In light of today’s sentencing, Bishop Peter Christensen offers the following message to the faithful:

“My heart goes out to the victim and to all who have been affected by this profound betrayal of trust. As we now know, this priest’s actions stand in stark contrast to the vocation he was called to live out faithfully in Christ.

As you are aware, the Diocese of Boise responded immediately to these allegations when they were first brought forward. Since that time, we have cooperated fully with civil authorities throughout this process. We remain firmly committed to the protection of the vulnerable and to maintaining safe environments in all our parishes, schools and ministries.

Let us continue to pray for healing for the victim, as well as for our communities that have suffered as a result of this betrayal. May the Lord guide us in justice and bring new hope where there has been such profound harm.”

The Diocese of Boise reaffirms its ongoing cooperation with civil authorities and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding policies and procedures designed to protect minors and vulnerable persons. We also take this time to express our gratitude to all law enforcement officers involved with this case. Together they have worked hard to ensure greater protection for those who are jeopardized by the harmful behaviors of others.

Anyone who has experienced abuse or has information regarding misconduct of this sort is encouraged to report it to local law enforcement and to contact the Diocese’s Office of Child, Youth and Adult Protection.

We remain committed to walking forward together in truth, accountability, and hope.

Media Contact:

Marco Roman, Director of Diocesan Communications