Local Priest Removed for Sexual Misconduct

By Laura Bean
The Courier
September 30, 2014

http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/25856517/article-Local-priest-removed-for-sexual-misconduct

Father James Melnick was relieved of his responsibilities as pastor of St. Augustine Church in Dardanelle, St. Andrew Church in Danville and associate pastor for Hispanic Ministry at St. John Church in Russellville for sexual misconduct. He is currently suspended from active ministry by the Arkansas Diocese.

Bishop Anthony Taylor, Roman Catholic Bishop of Little Rock, told area churches on Saturday and Sunday he received credible allegations of sexual misconduct against Melnick and was able to act quickly enough to prevent him from leading Mass on Sept. 20.

"Later that day, we were able to interview some of his victims and verify multiple acts of sexual misconduct with multiple adult victims during the period of less than a year," Taylor said in a news release. "Since there were multiple victims, we seem to be dealing with predatory behavior, not romance."

Melnick allegedly admitted to the misconduct. Taylor encouraged victims to report the incident.

"I know that his misconduct has harmed some of you directly, and if you have been a victim of his misdeeds or know someone who has been harmed by him here or elsewhere, I ask that you contact the diocese to report the incident for your own good and for the good of the Church," Taylor said.

Taylor said Melnick will not return to his position in the church and apologized for the misconduct.

"The Church would never allow a priest in a situation like this to ever function as a priest again," Taylor said. "Please pray for him. He needs your prayers, probably more than any of us even realizes. And please pray especially for his victims, for their healing and for their inner peace."

Taylor said Rev. Maricio Carrasco will replace Melnick.

"I am sending you one of the finest young priests in our diocese to replace him: Father Mauricio Carrasco," Taylor said. "He will be just exactly the right person you need to lead you through this difficult time."

Carrasco was appointed administrator of St. Augustine Church in Dardanelle, St. Andrew Church in Danville and associate pastor for Hispanic Ministry at St. John Church in Russellville and relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Theresa Church in Little Rock. His appointment will be effective Wednesday.

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