Priest Daniel Bustamante was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison for the crime of aggravated sexual abuse with carnal access and severely humiliating sexual abuse, committed in the context of gender violence in the parish of Our Lady of Fátima, in Lomas de Zamora. The Oral Criminal Court (TOC) 4 of Lomas de Zamora issued the sentence one year after his detention in March 2024.
In his arguments, prosecutor Hugo Carrión had requested 18 years of prison and a lifetime disqualification from performing religious duties, while the defense sought the priest's acquittal. Ultimately, the court decided to impose a lesser sentence than proposed by the prosecution.
The Diocese of Lomas de Zamora had suspended Bustamante from his ecclesiastical duties prior to his detention, removing him from his position as parish administrator of Our Lady of Fátima and from any other assigned tasks. In a statement, the commitment of the diocesan Church to reject any act that threatens the dignity of individuals was emphasized, working on prevention and promoting a culture of care, especially towards minors and vulnerable adults.
