Palm Beach Diocese Finds Priest Guilty of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse of Power

2:19 PM ETDeveloping

Faith Desk

In Short: The Diocese of Palm Beach has concluded an internal investigation into allegations against Father Alex Vargas, finding him guilty of sexual misconduct and abuse of power.

According to reports, the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida, has concluded an internal investigation into allegations against Father Alex Vargas, finding him guilty of sexual misconduct and abuse of power. Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez stated that the diocese's review board determined the allegations credible, including financial malfeasance and violations of the diocesan code of conduct.

The diocese has deemed Vargas 'unsuitable for ministry' for the time being and will allow him to participate in a judicial process at a future date. Bishop Rodríguez also announced that Father Thompson will be the administrator of St. [name of church] during this period.

Meanwhile, the diocese is moving forward with its reorganization plan, which has been incorporated into its safe environment program. Bishop Rodríguez encouraged all to pray for the healing of those impacted by sexual abuse and to work toward that healing.

Additionally, the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, has reached a $30 million settlement with an insurance company to resolve abuse claims. This settlement avoids a jury trial and involves the diocese contributing assets and insurance policies to a settlement trust.

What's still developing

The diocese reported the allegations to law enforcement, Rodríguez said, after which it launched its own independent investigation headed by an investigating agency.
The priest “remains innocent until proven guilty,” the prelate continued, adding that Vargas will be allowed to participate in a judicial process at a future date.
Father Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez will lead the Palm Beach Diocese after the resignation of Bishop Gerald Barbarito, the Vatican said.
Another priest has been designated the administrator of St.
Reilly, professor emerita of Penn State Dickinson Law, clarified to OSV News that the just-announced $30 million settlement is specifically between the diocese’s bankruptcy settlement trust and U.S. Fire.
Instead, that liability was “‘channeled’ to the settlement trust” in exchange for the cash and assets — including the right to coverage under the U.S. Fire Insurance policies — that the diocese contributed to the settlement trust, said Reilly.
As a result, the settlement trust “took over the diocese’s rights and responsibilities under the insurance policies including the right to sue U.S. Fire to demand coverage if it became liable for a covered injury,” said Reilly.
Several of the insurers sued by the Diocese of Winona-Rochester told the court they could not verify the abuse claims.

Sources

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