Priest Dismissed from Alexandria Diocese for Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

KALB
February 11, 2016

http://www.kalb.com/home/headlines/Priest-dismissed-from-Alexandria-Diocese-for-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct-368508841.html


The Bishop of Alexandria has announced the dismissal of Reverend Antonio Jorge Velez following allegations of sexual misconduct with a female minor made by the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Rev. Velez served at St. Mary in Jena and St. Edward in Fishville.

The decision to remove Velez comes after the Diocese of Alexandria was made aware of the allegations resulting from a time when Velez was stationed in Baltimore for about 10 years and was accused of inappropriate behavior with a female minor. An investigation is currently being conducted in Maryland.

Bishop Ronald Herzog has released the following statement: "During this difficult time, I ask for your prayers for all who are affected by these accusations: victims, their families, the Church here and in Baltimore, his religious order and the accused. I urge any victim of clerical sexual misconduct to allow us the opportunity to help heal the wounds inflicted through such actions, and I invite any victims to come forward in order that healing may begin and justice can be served."