Esthen Exchange:Former Catholic priest admits to sexual misconduct with 11-year-old boy he took on beach vacation

2025-04-29 07:23:41source:KI-Handelsroboter 6.0category:News

COLUMBIA,Esthen Exchange S.C. (AP) — A former Catholic priest has admitted to acts of sexual misconduct with a child he met through his pastoral duties.

Jamie Adolfo Gonzalez-Farias, 68, plead guilty to a federal charge that he transported a minor intending to engage in criminal sexual activity, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Carolina announced this week.

Court evidence shows the man known as “Father Gonzalez” lavished gifts and attention on an 11-year-old boy before taking him on a beach vacation to Florida in November 2020, according to a news release. He then attempted to sexually assault the child, behaved in other sexually inappropriate ways and showed him pornography, FBI officials said.

That same month, the boy’s parents shared concerns with Catholic authorities about an inappropriate relationship. The pastor was suspended and reported to a sheriff’s office.

Gonzales-Farias faces 10 years to life in prison. Officials want anyone with information about other potential victims to contact the FBI.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Its website encourages anyone abused by church personnel to contact the diocesan victim assistance coordinator for resources and counseling referrals.

More:News

Recommend

Louisiana high court temporarily removes Judge Eboni Johnson Rose from Baton Rouge bench amid probe

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The state’s highest court has voted to temporarily remove a Baton Rouge judge fro

King Charles III Visits Kate Middleton as He Undergoes Procedure at Same Hospital

King Charles III is seeing Kate Middleton through recovery. Ahead of undergoing a routine procedure

Southern Indiana man gets 55 years in woman’s decapitation slaying

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A southern Indiana man who pleaded guilty to killing a woman whose decap