Fr. Jaime A. Gonzalez-Farias
Visiting priest from the Diocese of San Bernardo in Chile. Arrived in the U.S. in 2001 and in SC in 2015. Worked also in FL and NJ. In 2017 a parishioner sent diocesan officials a photo of Gonzalez-Farias taking a boy to Walmart, and in 2018 a woman told the Diocese she was concerned about the priest’s relationship with her young nephews. In 12/2020, while he was visiting Chile, the Diocese received a report that Gonazalez-Farias had recently sexually abused a boy, age 11, including during a trip to FL. He had been placed on leave in late 11/2020 after the boy’s family reported inappropriate conduct, but not sexual abuse. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Charleston SC on its list in 8/2021. Gonzalez-Farias was arrested in Miami FL 11/29/2022 by the U.S. Marshall Service. He admitted to showering with the boy, touching his genitals and showing him pornography. Pleaded not guilty in 1/2023. Pleaded guilty in 8/2023. Sentenced in 2/2024 to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison. Ordered to pay the family $14,240 in restitution and to be supervised for the rest of life upon his release from prison.
- Diocese of Charleston List 08.20.21
- The State [Columbia SC] 01.07.23
- The Post and Courier 01.08.23
- Associated Press 01.08.23
- Catholic News Agency 01.09.23
- The State 01.10.23
- U.S. Attorney’s Office 01.10.23
- The State 03.21.23
- The State 08.10.23
- The Post and Courier 08.10.23
- WCIV 08.10.23
- Laurens County Advertiser 08.16.23
- The Post and Courier 02.09.24
- Associated Press 02.09.24
- SC US Attorney’s Office 02.09.24
Sources:
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