A 45-year-old Costa Rican man, identified by the surname Mendez-Esquivel, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison in the U.S. State of Idaho after pleading guilty to sexual abuse of a minor.

Esquivel, a native of Esparza canton in Puntarenas province, previously served at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa in Canyon Country. He was arrested in August 2025 following an investigation by the Nampa Police Department.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice of Canyon County District, Judge Davis Vander issued the sentence, ordering that Esquivel serve at least three years before becoming eligible for parole.

According to court records, on Aug. 14, 2025, Esquivel connected with a 16-year-old on a social media app. The victim initially claimed to be 18. However, after Esquivel learned the teen’s true age, he continued the conversation and arranged an in-person meeting.

Authorities said Esquivel picked up the victim and drove him to Lyons Park in Nampa, where the sexual contact occurred.

Deputy Prosecutor Kara Przybos asked the court to impose a 20-year sentence with five years fixed. She described Esquivel’s actions as “one of the most heinous acts an adult can commit” and emphasized that, under Idaho law, a 16-year-old cannot consent to sexual activity with an adult.

Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd said the case highlights the seriousness with which such crimes are prosecuted. “The exploitation of minors by adults will be prosecuted seriously in Canyon County. Minors cannot consent to sexual acts with adults,” he added.

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