Garland Police confirmed that a priest from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas has been arrested on accusations of indecency with a kid.
Ricardo Reyes Mata, 34, was arrested after allegedly making inappropriate contact with two children during a visit to a Garland house.
Reyes Mata, who previously worked at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Downtown Dallas, St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, and Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, is being held at the Garland Detention Centre on a $175,000 bond.
The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Centre performed forensic interviews with the children, which resulted in an arrest warrant and Reyes Mata handing himself in to Garland police.
The Diocese of Dallas responded quickly, reporting the claims to Child Protective Services and law police, and removing Reyes Mata from public ministry.
Bishop Edward J. Burns emphasised the diocese’s commitment to safety and urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Reyes Mata is facing two felony counts of indecency with a child as the investigation continues.
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