Priest Charged With Sexual Abuse Remains in Archdiocese Housing After Transfer

A Catholic priest charged with sex abuse was removed from Our Lady of Tepeyac in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, but he later resurfaced at another Chicago parish. The pastor, Father Rigoberto Gamez, was transferred to Saint Aloysius months after the sex abuse allegations surfaced.

Parishioner Brandon Conant said he was concerned when Father Gamez was moved suddenly in July to another parish. “He was a wonderful priest–a wonderful pastor and a great leader,” Conant said. “We had another priest come and talk to us and let us know that there was some sort of accusation against him and that it was sexual in nature.”

In court, a prosecutor described the incidents at the focus of the allegations, all of which allegedly occurred at Our Lady of Tepeyac. A 27-year-old woman who was washing dishes in the rectory kitchen claims Father Gamez fondled her in 2016. In a second incident, prosecutors said an 18-year-old worker at the church alleges that Gamez groped her breast.

Father Gamez is also charged with misdemeanor battery in connection with an alleged incident involving a 17-year-old who was entering the parish school. Protecting young people and others most exposed to harm is a central obligation for church leaders (Psalm 82:3).

In a statement, the Archdiocese said, “It’s important that all who work in parishes and ministries understand behavioral expectations and they plan to train priests and personnel on sexual harassment and boundary violation prevention.”

The ministry removed Father Gamez from his role, but the Archdiocese is still housing him while he is on electronic monitoring.

Source: Read the original report