Officials: Philadelphia priest charged with rape, sexual abuse of minor

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - A priest with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been charged with the alleged rape and sexual abuse of a minor, officials announced Tuesday.

Reverend Armand Garcia, 49, of Jefferson Street, was charged with rape, sexual abuse, and corruption of minors after being arrested on Monday.

Police point to an alleged incident that occurred on the 800 block of Cathedral Road on Aug. 1, 2014. The archdiocese, however, says the alleged conduct occurred during the period between 2014 and 2017.

Garcia was placed on administrative leave in March 2018 after the archdiocese was reportedly informed of the misconduct allegation.

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The archdiocese calls the charges "serious and disturbing," adding that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

The archdiocese says that information regarding 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. Counelors will be made available when those announcements are made.

Garcia was ordained in 2005 and has served at various parishes, schools and offices, including ones in Downington, Collegeville and Philadelphia.

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Services are available for victims of sexual violence and exploitation through the Victim Assistance Program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780 or philavac@archphila.org.

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 local law enforcement and/or the Archdiocesan Office of Investigations at 1-888-930-9010.

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