Judge Finds Sufficient Evidence to Hold Former Priest Theodore Edward Gabrielli to Answer on 24 Felony Counts of Molestation Involving Four Child Victims

Author: District Attorney
Date: 6/12/2026 4:13 PM

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that former priest Theodore Edward Gabrielli, 62, was held to answer on 24 felony counts involving the molestation of four children.

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District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Jesse Marino has found sufficient evidence to hold former priest Theodore Edward Gabrielli to answer on 24 felony counts involving the molestation of four children.  The District Attorney's Office is contemplating filing additional charges which it believes were proven at the hearing.
 
Following a four-day preliminary hearing, Judge Marino heard testimony from four victims, who are now adults. The alleged offenses span from 1991 through 2010 and occurred across six California counties.
 
“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 is a court proceeding in which a judge determines whether there is sufficient evidence, known as probable cause, to require a defendant to stand trial. Probable cause exists when the evidence establishes a strong suspicion that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. When the judge finds enough proof, the defendant is held to answer, and the case proceeds on an Information.
 
Gabrielli is scheduled to return to court on July 14, 2026, in Department 8 of the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse for arraignment on the criminal Information.  The defendant remains in custody at the San Luis Obispo County jail without bail.
 
This case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Lisa B. Muscari of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit.  Victim Witness services were provided by Victim Advocate Tristan Milledge.

It is important to note the charges described in this press release are allegations only.  All defendants are legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 
A copy of the defendant’s booking photo can be found here, and a copy of the charging document can be found here.

Members of the media may contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805-781-5819 for additional information.

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