A 41-year-old priest assigned to a Downey parish pleaded not guilty Monday, Apr. 7 to five counts of lewd acts with a child aged 14 or 15, court records show.

Ordained by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Father Jaime Arriaga was assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church as a transitional deacon in January 2024, before he began serving as a priest in July 2024. He was removed from the ministry on April 2, after the archdiocese said he was accused of sexual misconduct with a minor — which prosecutors allege occurred between Feb. 8 and March 22 of this year.

The archdiocese said they notified law enforcement, who arrested Arriaga on April 3.

“The Archdiocese has a long-standing commitment to the protection of minors and the reporting and prevention of abuse,” church officials said in a statement. “We offer our prayers for everyone impacted by this matter.”

Arriaga was arraigned Monday and pleaded not guilty to six felony charges, including assault with the intent to commit a felony and five counts of lewd acts with a child. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 5.

“We encourage anyone who may have experienced any misconduct involving Fr. Arriaga to please contact law enforcement and the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650 or toll-free number (800)-355-2545,” said archdiocese spokesperson Yannina Diaz.