Richmond Police announce arrest of church music director
The Richmond Police reported arresting St. Cornelius Church Music Director Miguel Angel Villalobos on sexual assault charges on Friday, June 21.
Lynnelle Sanchez, public information officer for the Richmond Police Department, said the alleged victim contacted police in March to report a volunteer staff member of Macdonald Avenue’s St. Cornelius Church had sexually assaulted her.
Sanchez said police conducted a months-long investigation with the corporation of the Diocese of Oakland, which led to Villalobos’ arrest.
“The victim reported that while attending music lessons at the St. Cornelius Church in Richmond, she was assaulted by Music Director Miguel Angel Villalobos. The victim said the abuse began when she was a minor and continued for several years until she was an adult,” Sanchez said.
Villalobos reportedly worked at several churches throughout the Bay Area since 2010, including St. Cornelius Church in Richmond, St. Clement Church in Hayward, and the Queen of All Saints Church in Concord.
“Based on information uncovered during this investigation, we believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward,” Sanchez said.
The Contra Costa District Attorney's Office filed multiple sexual assault charges on Tuesday, June 25. Villalobos remains in custody at Martinez Detention Facility, Contra Costa County Jail.
Richmond police urged anyone who had inappropriate contact with Villalobos or knows of such incidents to contact Detective Terry Thomas at 510-621-1746 or Terry.Thomas@RichmondPD.net.
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