Let us spray: Shocked parishioners discover much-loved California Father had gang affiliations, posed in social media photos with an AK47 and was 'habitually under the influence of marijuana and alcohol'
A Catholic priest has been banned from his church after parishioners discovered his involvement with gangs, drugs, guns and sexual relationships.
Father Guadalupe Rios is not allowed within 100 yards of St Joseph's Church in Selma, California, despite his name still remaining on the church marquee.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno has a restraining order protecting church employees, including Bishop Joseph Brennan, from the priest.
Father Guadalupe Rios has been banned from his church after parishioners discovered his links to gangs, drugs, guns and sex
Father Guadalupe Rios is not allowed within 100 yards of St Joseph's Church in Selma, California, despite his name still remaining on the church marquee
Parishioners had seen photos of Rios on social media posing with an AK-47, an AR-556, and a .357 Magnum, according to ABC 30.
The priest has also been accused of emotionally and physically abusing the church secretary, who says she had a romantic and sexual relationship with him for five years.
She said he was habitually under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, which would make him feel suicidal.
At one point in February, he even pointed his gun at her and himself and made threats, she claimed.
Parishioners had seen photos of Rios on social media posing with an AK-47, an AR-556, and a .357 Magnum
The priest has also been accused of emotionally and physically abusing the church secretary
She wrote in her court declaration: 'Mr Rios and I were in his Rectory when he put a gun to his head in front of me.
'As I started to cry in shock, I asked him what he was doing and he said to me, "either I'm going to die or you are or we both are."
'Due to his past as a gang member and the gangster friends he hangs out with, I'm afraid for my safety and for my family.'
She added that she is afraid that he could seek retaliation against her once the Diocese finds out the truth about his past.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno has a restraining order protecting church employees, including Bishop Joseph Brennan, from the priest
Court records also show Rios was convicted in 2016 over a DUI showing he had a blood alcohol content of .19, more than double the legal driving limit.
A judge approved the restraining order on Friday, protecting many in the church from the priest.
Police have also seized his assault rifle and Magnum from church grounds.
Selma Police Chief Joe Gomez said crime reports have not been filed alongside the restraining order.