Garland Police announced the arrest of 34-year-old Ricardo Reyes Mata, a priest with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, on charges of indecency with a child.
The arrest follows reports of inappropriate contact with two minors during a visit to a Garland residence. Reyes Mata, who previously served at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Downtown Dallas, and held roles at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen and Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas, is currently held at the Garland Detention Center on a $175,000 bond.
Forensic interviews conducted by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center with the minors led to an arrest warrant, and Reyes Mata surrendered himself to Garland Police.
In response, the Diocese of Dallas promptly reported the allegations to Child Protective Services and law enforcement and removed Reyes Mata from public ministry.
Bishop Edward J. Burns reiterated the diocese’s commitment to safety and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the authorities.
Reyes Mata faces two felony counts of indecency with a child as the investigation progresses.
