North Texas Catholic Priest Arrested for Indecency with a Child

Ricardo Reyes Mata, a 34-year-old priest with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, was arrested on Monday by Garland police for two counts of indecency with a child. The arrest followed reports of “inappropriate contact with two juvenile victims” at a residence in Garland. Reyes is currently held at the Garland Detention Center pending further legal proceedings.

According to the arrest affidavit, a 10-year-old girl reported an incident to her teacher, who then informed Diocese security. Detectives subsequently interviewed the girl’s sisters, aged 14 and 11, who also described inappropriate touching. The police department stated that detectives are in communication with the Diocese of Dallas and urged anyone with information about other potential victims to contact Garland police at 972-485-4840.

Reyes, who was assigned to St. Jude Parish in Allen prior to his current assignment at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Dallas, was not listed on the diocese website. A diocese spokesperson confirmed his employment at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The diocese noted that Reyes was ordained in June 2022.

The Diocese of Dallas was recently informed of an allegation by a juvenile girl involving inappropriate touching by a priest. The diocese emphasized that no inappropriate activity was reported to have occurred on diocesan property. Upon learning of the allegation, diocesan officials promptly filed a report with Child Protective Services and law enforcement. The priest was immediately removed from all public ministry.

Bishop Edward J. Burns of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas expressed gratitude for the law enforcement response and called for prayer, respecting the dignity of all involved. He emphasized the diocese’s commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone, urging anyone with information to contact Garland police.

The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in religious institutions, as highlighted in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for defending the rights of the vulnerable. It also reflects the need for transparency and swift action, as emphasized in Ephesians 5:11, urging believers to expose and resist evil. The situation calls for a balance of mercy, justice, and care for victims, aligning with the principles of Micah 6:8, which calls for doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.

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