Dallas Pastor Suspended By Church Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Catholic Diocese of Dallas has suspended a priest after allegations of sexual abuse, the bishop announced Sunday.
Bishop Edward J. Burns said Rev. Edmundo Paredes is no longer a part of St. Cecilia Catholic Church after learning about the allegations that occurred more than a decade ago. The church learned of these allegations in February.
Officials with the diocese filed a police report to start an investigation into the sexual abuse reports. Officials said three adults came forward with the allegations and said the abuse happened when they were were teenagers.
Investigators found the allegations to be credible.
The Diocese of Dallas suspended Paredes and said he is no longer allowed to function as a priest.
The diocese also learned there were reports of theft while Paredes was a priest at St. Cecilia. He admitted to financial misconduct with certain parish funds. The funds were found to not be related to the Catholic school or donations to the church's rebuilding after a 2007 fire.
In a statement given to the St. Cecilia during Sunday mass, Bishop Burns said:
"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of these allegations. Our priority was to determine the truth and protect the victims who showed courage by coming forward. With the utmost sensitivity to victims, I have pledged to continue efforts of transparency and need to make you aware of this atrocious and sad event... I want to assure the entire community that we are working to find solutions to create a safer environment. I offer my heartfelt apologies that these crimes have happened in your parish and please know I am praying for all victims of sexual abuse and for all of you here in the St. Cecilia community."