Diocesan Priest Arrested 
On Wednesday, June 9, 2015, the Merced County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against Rev. Robert E. Gamel, former Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Los Banos.
In August 2014, the Department began an investigation into allegations of internet related sex crimes perpetrated by Gamel. Detectives worked with Federal investigators on the case, but after a lengthy review it was determined best handled by the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.
“The investigation has been painstaking, and we have been committed to completing a thorough investigation to determine the best possible outcome. We have to get it right and sometimes that takes time.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police
On Wednesday, June 10, 2015, Gamel was arrested and booked into the Los Banos Police Department jail facility on one charge of 311.11 (a) PC, possession of matter depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct. Gamel is currently out of custody after posting bail in the amount of $20,000.00 bail. If convicted, Gamel faces imprisonment in state prison, or a county jail for up to three years.
“The investigation reveled that the behavior was limited to possession of an inappropriate photograph of a minor and at this time we do not believe there are any other victims.”
- Ivan Mendez, Detective-Sergeant
Address/Location
Los Banos Police Department
5th St
Los Banos, CA 93635
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 209-827-7070