Latino Priest Arrested for Vandalizing Property of Local Residents

John Thavis
March 7, 2013

http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/latino-daily-news/details/latino-priest-arrested-for-vandalizing-property-of-local-residents/22809/

Photo: Father Martinez at Holy Family Catholic Church

Father Eusebio Martinez has been arrested in Texas for vandalizing the property of a local resident family, the Villanuevas.

Father Martinez is Pastor of the Holy Family Catholic Church in the border town of Edinburg, Texas which has a predominantly Latino population. He was allegedly caught on camera drilling holes in the tires of the family’s car according to Valley Central. It is not known if the priest was wearing his official garb when he was filmed.

Local police began investigating Father Martinez back in January when the family submitted video evidence of the vandalism. He was arrested this morning and is out of jail on a personal recognizance bond.


The Holy Family Catholic Church was in the news recently with its outreach to the only Catholic Church in Newton, Connecticut, St. Rose of Lima Church during the deadly shooting rampage. Father Martinez was returning the favor to St. Rose of Lima which raised 11,000 to help build the new education center and parish hall.

The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Texas has placed the pastor on leave until further notice.

The motive for the alleged vandalism has not been made public.