Ricardo Reyes Mata, 34, was arrested Monday by Garland police and charged with two felonies. He was ordained in his 2022 year.
GARLAND, Texas — Police want to see his face. Many may recognize him, even though he looks different these days.
Garland police spokesman Lt. Pedro Barrineau said Tuesday that “on Friday, we received a tip from the parish and his family that an actual crime had occurred regarding this priest.”
Earlier in the day, Garland police announced that officers arrested Ricardo Reyes Mata, 34, a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.
Reyes Mata is accused of inappropriately touching two minors at his home in Garland. Police told WFAA that the alleged victims range in age from 10 to 17 years old.
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“I can only imagine how traumatic a situation like this can be for anyone, especially a child who doesn't know what's going to happen,” Barrineau said.
WFAA confirmed with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas that Reyes Mata served as a priest at the National Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas. He was ordained in 2022 and previously worked at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen.
He also worked as a chaplain at Bishop Dunn Catholic School in Dallas from 2023 until last week, the diocese said.
“Children sometimes have a hard time being active because of embarrassment or other reasons,” Barrineau said. [this information] There may be an outcry somewhere in case this person comes into contact with others. ”
On May 3, the director of security for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas contacted Garland police about an incident that occurred around April 5, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by WFAA. The 10-year-old told her teacher, according to the affidavit. Reyes Mata allegedly touched her inappropriately when he visited her home.
Police said it is unclear why Reyes Mata was visiting the minor's Garland home at the time of the incident. They said the Dallas Child Advocacy Center conducted a forensic interview on Monday of the 10-year-old girl, who has four siblings. During these interviews, at least two of the victim's sisters also mentioned possible sexual abuse by Reyes Mata, according to the affidavit. They were 11 and 14 years old. Shortly after, an arrest warrant was issued for Reyes Mata.
He turned himself in to Garland police on Monday and was charged with indecency with two children.
In response to the Garland Police Department's press release regarding Reyes Mata's arrest, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas released the following statement:
The Diocese of Dallas recently learned of allegations that the girl had inappropriate contact with a priest. There were no reports of inappropriate activity occurring on parish grounds.
Diocese officials learned of the allegations last week and immediately filed a report with Child Protective Services and law enforcement. When the Diocese of Dallas learned of the allegations, the priest was immediately removed from all official duties.
We are grateful for the thorough response by law enforcement,” said Bishop Edward J. Burns of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. “Let us pray together, respecting the dignity of all involved, and seeking strength and guidance from our faith during this difficult time.”
We take all allegations of misconduct seriously. In the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, the safety and well-being of everyone is of paramount importance. Anyone with information is asked to call the Garland Police Department.
Reyes Mata was charged with two felony counts of lewd acts against a child. He is being held at the Garland Detention Center. His bond is set at $75,000 and $100,000. On Thursday, he was released from jail on bond.
“We want to ensure that justice is served and that we do our job so that those affected, including their families, know that we are doing everything we can to bring closure. ,” Barrineau said.
“Dear members of the Diocese of Dallas, these are difficult times. It's painful to see the news of allegations of abuse. It's embarrassing, but it's necessary. This is what zero tolerance looks like,” Bishop Burns said in the video. Statement shared on the Catholic Diocese of Dallas website. “As difficult as all of this is, we must stand firm in our commitment to protect children and vulnerable adults.”
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this or other similar incidents to call the Garland Police Department at 972-485-4840.
