Philadelphia priest arrested in alleged child sexual abuse

Philadelphia police say 49-year-old Armand Garcia was arrested Monday and faces charges of rape and sexual abuse.

Associated Press

March 5, 2019

The dome of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. (AP File Photo)

A spokesman for the Roman Catholic church says a Philadelphia priest has been arrested on allegations that he sexually abused a minor.

Philadelphia police say 49-year-old Armand Garcia was arrested Monday and faces charges of rape and sexual abuse. Police did not release details of the allegations. Court records show Garcia posted bond and was released late Monday.

This photo provided by the Philadelphia Police Department shows Armand Garcia. A spokesman for the Roman Catholic church says Garcia, a Philadelphia priest, has been arrested on allegations that he sexually abused a minor. (Philadelphia Police Department via AP)

Garcia’s attorney, William J. Brennan, says there’s notoriety about allegations against priests, but Garcia is presumed innocent and should be given a chance to present his defense.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia confirmed that Garcia was working as a pastor in Philadelphia at the time of the allegations between 2014 and 2017.

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The archdiocese placed Garcia on administrative leave in March 2018 when police notified church officials of their investigation.

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