Priest Arrested For Two Counts Of Indecency With A Child In Texas

The Catholic Diocese in Dallas, Texas, has been having some problems lately with sexual issues among their priests and Nuns. First, it was the lawsuit from a Mother Superior who was let go for breaking her vows of chastity with a priest during phone calls. Now, a priest has been arrested for inappropriate conduct with minors, two minors to be exact.

FOX 4 in Dallas reports that Ricardo Reyes Mata, a priest with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, was arrested by Garland Police on Monday.

He has been charged with two counts of indecency with a child, and police want to know if there are more victims out there.

That makes sense because that behavior is rarely a one-time thing. Police say the allegations are based on reports of inappropriate contact with two juveniles between the ages of 10 and 17. Investigators say the alleged encounter happened last week when Father Mata visited the children's home in Garland. Diocesan officials said they immediately filed a report with Child Protective Services and law enforcement. 

According to records on the Cathedral Guadalupe's website, Mata was appointed vicar of the downtown Dallas church in July 2023.

Following the arrest, the diocese said Mata was immediately removed from public ministry.

 "We are grateful for law enforcement's thorough response," said Bishop Edward J. Burns of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. "Let us come together in prayer, respecting the dignity of all involved, seeking strength and guidance from our faith during this challenging time."

Lt. Barineau said that because of Father Mata's very public role, it's essential for parents of children who attend this church of ministry to talk to children to ensure that there aren't any other alleged victims.