COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 3-count indictment in opposition to Jamie Adolfo Gonzalez-Farias, a/ok/a “Father Gonzalez,” a/ok/a “E,” 67, a former South Carolina priest, for the alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old minor.
The indictment prices three counts: Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Interact in Felony Sexual Exercise, and Aggravated Sexual Abuse with a Baby. The Grand Jury additionally recognized Florida state statutes of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation and Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition as implicated by Gonzalez-Farias’s conduct.
The indictment alleges that Gonzalez-Farias has been ordained as a Priest since no less than 1990, and that he has held numerous positions within the church buildings by which he served, together with Pastor, Parochial Vicar, Administrator, Chaplain, and Priest. The indictment additional alleges that Gonzalez-Farias started serving in South Carolina in 2015, and that he sexually abused a minor to whom he had entry by advantage of his service as a Priest.
As indicated on the general public docket (Felony No. 3:22-cr-874), Gonzalez-Farias was arrested in Miami, Florida, on November 28, 2022, and positioned within the custody of america Marshals. On January 9, 2023, he made his preliminary look in federal court docket in Columbia, South Carolina. At that listening to, the Authorities requested the defendant stay detained, and Gonzalez-Farias elected to not request a bond right now. United States Justice of the Peace Choose Shiva V. Hodges ordered that Gonzalez-Farias stay detained pending trial.
Gonzalez-Farias faces a compulsory sentence of no less than 30 years in federal jail and a most of Life on the Aggravated Sexual Abuse With a Baby depend. He faces a compulsory sentence of no less than 10 years and a most of Life on the remaining counts. He additionally faces fines of as much as $250,000, a $5,000 particular evaluation, necessary restitution payable to any victims, court-ordered supervision for all times to comply with any time period of imprisonment, and necessities to register as a intercourse offender.
“The exploitation of kids – notably by these in positions of belief – is not going to be tolerated in our state,” stated U.S. Legal professional Adair F. Boroughs. “Our dedication to victims and survivors is that when they’re met with abuse, offenders will probably be met with a full measure of accountability.”
“The defendant’s alleged actions are deeply troubling,” stated FBI Columbia Particular Agent in Cost Susan Ferensic. “The FBI is not going to stand for crimes dedicated in opposition to kids, and we’re poised to make use of the complete weight of our company to guard minors and maintain offenders accountable.”
The FBI is searching for the general public’s assist in figuring out potential victims. In the event you consider you or your minor dependent(s) have been victimized by Gonzalez-Farias, or when you’ve got related details about Gonzalez-Farias the FBI ought to know, you’re inspired to contact the FBI at 803-551-4200.
This case was introduced as a part of Venture Secure Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to guard kids from on-line exploitation and abuse. Led by america Legal professional’s Workplaces, Venture Secure Childhood marshals federal, state, and native sources to raised find, apprehend, and prosecute people who exploit kids through the Web, in addition to determine and rescue victims. For extra data, please go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Laurens County Sheriff’s Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and E. Elizabeth Main are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Legal professional Adair F. Boroughs said that each one prices within the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed harmless except and till confirmed responsible.
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