Catholic Priest Charged with Driving While Intoxicated

Police have charged Father Carlos Zuniga, a priest at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, Texas, with driving while intoxicated. According to Hidalgo County jail records, Zuniga was arrested by law enforcement. Details of the incident were not immediately disclosed, and CBS 4 News has requested the criminal complaint from Weslaco Municipal Court.

The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville did not provide comment when contacted on Monday afternoon. Zuniga did not respond to a message left at the church. The case highlights the legal responsibilities of all individuals, including clergy, and the importance of accountability in public life.

Zuniga, who was orphaned and felt called to the priesthood at age eight, served in south McAllen, Texas before moving to St. Pius X. In September 2013, he was accused of inappropriately interfering in the Weslaco City Commission election by distributing fliers in the church bulletin. Zuniga stated his intent was to draw attention to the city’s high water rates.

Associate Municipal Judge Miguel Wise set a $5,000 personal recognizance bond for Zuniga. He was booked into Hidalgo County jail at 12:30 p.m. on Monday and released at 2:02 p.m. The case underscores the need for justice and the protection of the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for defending the rights of the poor and needy.

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