Former priest held to answer on 24 felony counts in child molestation case

By Staff Report · Mon Jun 15 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Former priest Theodore Edward Gabrielli has been held to answer on 24 felony counts involving the alleged molestation of four children, following a ruling by San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jesse Marino.

The decision came after a four-day preliminary hearing in which testimony was heard from four victims, all now adults. The alleged offenses span from 1991 to 2010 and occurred across six California counties.

District Attorney Dan Dow announced the ruling, stating that additional charges are being considered based on evidence presented during the hearing. The case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa B. Muscari.

“This ruling affirms that there is sufficient evidence for these serious allegations to be fully heard in court,” said District Attorney Dan Dow. “Cases involving the sexual abuse of children leave lasting harm, and our office is committed to holding offenders accountable regardless of when these crimes occurred. We recognize the courage it takes for victims to come forward, and we will continue to stand with them in the pursuit of justice. I also want to thank our law enforcement partners for their careful and thorough work in bringing this case forward.”

A preliminary hearing determines whether there is probable cause for a defendant to proceed to trial. In this case, the judge found sufficient evidence to require Gabrielli to stand trial on the charges.

Gabrielli remains in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on July 14 at the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse.

Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and Gabrielli is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.