Ricardo Reyes Mata, Catholic Priest, Arrested For Indecency With Two Children
A Catholic priest has been arrested for indecency with a child in Garland, Texas. The priest, 34-year-old Ricardo Reyes Mata, was arrested on Monday after police received reports of “inappropriate contact with two juvenile victims” at a residence in the city. Mata is a priest with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and was working at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dallas. He has been removed from all public ministry and the diocese is cooperating with law enforcement. Anyone with information about other potential victims is urged to call the Garland police department.
Watch video Ricardo Reyes Mata inappropriate contact with two juvenile victims
I. Priest Arrested for Indecency with a Child
A Catholic priest has been arrested for indecency with a child in Garland, Texas. The priest, 34-year-old Ricardo Reyes Mata, was arrested on Monday after police received reports of “inappropriate contact with two juvenile victims” at a residence in the city. Mata is a priest with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and was working at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dallas. He has been removed from all public ministry and the diocese is cooperating with law enforcement. Anyone with information about other potential victims is urged to call the Garland police department.
| Date | Incident | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 19, 2023 | Ricardo Reyes Mata arrested for indecency with a child. | Garland, Texas |
The arrest of a Catholic priest for indecency with a child is a serious matter. The Diocese of Dallas has taken swift action to remove the priest from all public ministry and is cooperating with law enforcement. Anyone with information about other potential victims is urged to call the Garland police department. We must all work together to protect our children from abuse.
II. Diocese Responds to Allegations
Diocese Takes Swift Action
The Diocese of Dallas has taken swift action in response to the allegations against Ricardo Reyes Mata. Upon learning of the allegations, the diocese immediately filed a report with Child Protective Services and law enforcement. Mata was immediately removed from all public ministry.
Diocese Cooperates with Law Enforcement
The diocese is cooperating fully with the Garland Police Department’s investigation. The diocese has also launched its own internal investigation to determine if any other church employees were involved in the alleged misconduct.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2023 | Diocese files report with Child Protective Services and law enforcement. |
| June 19, 2023 | Mata removed from all 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.”
III. Anyone with Information Urged to Call Police
The Garland Police Department is urging anyone with information about other potential victims of Ricardo Reyes Mata to call 972-485-4840. The department is also asking anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity involving Mata to come forward.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| June 19, 2023 | Garland Police Department urges anyone with information about other potential victims to call 972-485-4840. |
It is important to remember that Mata is innocent until proven guilty. However, if you have any information that could help the police investigation, please do not hesitate to contact them.
IV. Final Thought
The arrest of a Catholic priest for indecency with a child is a serious matter. The Diocese of Dallas has taken swift action to remove the priest from all public ministry and is cooperating with law enforcement. Anyone with information about other potential victims is urged to call the Garland police department. We must all work together to protect our children from abuse.
