March 5, 2019

Statement From The Archdiocese Of Philadelphia Regarding Reverend Armand D. Garcia

Contextual Background Regarding Reverend Armand D. Garcia

On March 16, 2018, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was notified by the Philadelphia Police Department that law enforcement had received a direct report regarding alleged misconduct with a minor on the part of Reverend Armand D. Garcia. The Archdiocese had no previous knowledge of the allegation and it was the first of its kind lodged against Father Garcia.

Father Garcia was immediately placed on administrative leave and had his priestly faculties restricted by Archbishop Chaput following the notification from law enforcement. He was also removed from his residence at Saint Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia, where he had been assigned. During the course of his administrative leave, Father Garcia was not permitted to exercise public ministry, administer any of the Sacraments, or present himself publicly as a priest. The circumstances surrounding Father Garcia’s administrative leave were communicated to parishioners at that time.

At the time he was placed on administrative leave, Father Garcia possessed clear criminal background checks as well as child abuse clearances and had successfully completed safe environment training courses.

The Archdiocese cooperated with law enforcement during the course of the criminal investigation that has been ongoing for the past year. Father Garcia lived in a private residence for the duration of that period with no access to any parish or school.

Update Regarding Reverend Armand D. Garcia

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was informed by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office that Father Garcia was arrested on Monday, March 4, 2019. He faces charges of rape, corruption of a minor, and sexual abuse of a minor. The conduct in question is alleged to have occurred during the period 2014-2017.

These charges are serious and disturbing. The Archdiocese is cooperating fully with law enforcement regarding this matter and remains fervently committed to preventing child abuse as well as protecting the children and young people entrusted to its care. Information regarding Father Garcia’s arrest will be shared with parishioners at Saint Martin of Tours Parish and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, his two most recent assignments. Counselors will be made available when those announcements are made. 

Biographical Information on Reverend Armand D. Garcia

Father Garcia is 49 years old. He was ordained in 2005. He served at the following parishes, schools, and offices: Saint Joseph, Downington (2005-2008); Saint Eleanor, Collegeville (2008-2009); Saint Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia (2009-2010); personal leave (2010-2011); Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford (2011); Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia (2011-2017); Saint Martin of Tours, Philadelphia (2017-2018); placed on administrative leave and faculties restricted (2018); arrested (2019).

To Make a Report

We recognize that today’s public notice may be painful to victims of sexual violence and exploitation. If you need support or assistance, victim services are available to you through the Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or [email protected].

If you would like to report an allegation of sexual abuse or any other criminal activity perpetrated by a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, contact your local law enforcement agency and/or the Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

If you would like to report a violation of The Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, contact the Archdiocesan Office for Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

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 Editor’s Note: To learn more about ongoing efforts within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia over the past 15 years to provide safe environments for the children and young people entrusted to its care and to assist survivors of sexual abuse on their path to healing, please visit www.AOPPledgetoProtect.com

 

Contact:

Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)