Priest removed from public ministry, under investigation

HOUSTON (FOX 26) — The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston announced in a statement on Monday that a priest has been removed from public ministry as it conducts an investigation into an allegation that he sexually abused juveniles, which may have resulted in the birth of children.

The abuse allegations originate from Colombia where Father Jesus Suarez was a priest before he arrived to the U.S. in 1994, according to the statement.

The Archdiocese says it was just recently made aware of the allegation and has not learned of any additional allegations of sexual abuse of children against Fr. Suarez.

A letter was read to parishioners at all churches in the Archdiocese where Father Suarez had previously served.

Fr. Suarez most recently served as a pastor of St. Philip of Jesus Parish. The Houston Police Department is aware of the allegation against him.