News
Released: June 17, 2025 - Tuesday, 04:56 PM
During the course of the investigation, three male victims were identified. All the juveniles were members of the same family. At that time, the family was living in Mexico where their family befriended a Catholic priest. The priest became close with the family, and he was allowed to take the three boys with him to many places in California including his parent's residence in Los Osos. It was there, the victims stated, the priest would sexually assault them. The assaults continued over the course of about eight years. The victims decided to come forward last year and report the abuse.
The suspect has been identified as 61-year-old Theodore Gabrielli of San Diego. He is a Catholic priest who has worked at churches, schools and ministries in San Jose, Los Gatos and Los Angeles.
On 6-12-2025, Detectives with the Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit arrested Gabrielli in Los Osos. Gabrielli is facing charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information about this case or other potential victims should contact the Sheriff's Detective Division at 805-781-4500 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP (549-7867). You can also submit your tip to Crime Stoppers by downloading the free mobile app at P3TIPS.COM or submit your tip through their website: www.slotips.org.
Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 6-12-2025Place of Occurrence: Los OsosVictim Information: Three Male Juveniles, under 14Suspect Information: Theodore Edward Gabrielli, 61, San DiegoOn 8-28-2024, the Sheriff's Office received a report of child abuse which started occurring more than 30 years ago. Detectives in the Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit began an immediate investigation.During the course of the investigation, three male victims were identified. All the juveniles were members of the same family. At that time, the family was living in Mexico where their family befriended a Catholic priest. The priest became close with the family, and he was allowed to take the three boys with him to many places in California including his parent's residence in Los Osos. It was there, the victims stated, the priest would sexually assault them. The assaults continued over the course of about eight years. The victims decided to come forward last year and report the abuse.
The suspect has been identified as 61-year-old Theodore Gabrielli of San Diego. He is a Catholic priest who has worked at churches, schools and ministries in San Jose, Los Gatos and Los Angeles.
On 6-12-2025, Detectives with the Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit arrested Gabrielli in Los Osos. Gabrielli is facing charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information about this case or other potential victims should contact the Sheriff's Detective Division at 805-781-4500 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (805) 549-STOP (549-7867). You can also submit your tip to Crime Stoppers by downloading the free mobile app at P3TIPS.COM or submit your tip through their website: www.slotips.org.
