Iowa priest suspended after allegation of 'unwelcome advances,' diocese says

By Luke Nozicka
Des Moines Register
February 20, 2018

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/02/20/iowa-priest-suspended-after-allegation-unwelcome-advances-diocese-says/356748002/

Catholic Bishop Richard Pates speaks to a large crowd during 2011 festivities held to mark the Des Moines diocese's 100th anniversary.

A Council Bluffs priest was suspended Tuesday after an allegation of unwelcome advances, the diocese said.  

Father Carlos Gomez Pineda was suspended after Bishop Richard Pates heard about the allegation early Tuesday morning, the Diocese of Des Moines said in a statement. Pineda was accused of making "a serious violation of boundary issues related to unwelcome advances toward an adult," the diocese said. 

Pates has notified authorities about the allegation against Pineda, who serves as parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs. 

While suspended, Pineda cannot engage in public ministry, which includes celebrating Mass or sacraments. He has also been banned from going to the parish office, St. Albert Catholic Schools or the parish religious education program, the diocese said.

"On behalf of the Diocese of Des Moines, I wish to extend my prayers and sincere apology to any person who has been victimized," said Pates, the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines who announced his retirement during the weekend. "During this Lenten season, I ask you to keep in your prayer all victims of abuse, the Corpus Christi Parish community, and Father Pineda."

Pineda was ordained by Pates in December 2016 and was assigned to serve Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs. Before that, he served a pastoral year at St. Patrick Church in Council Bluffs and as a transitional deacon who was assigned to Christ the King Parish in Des Moines.

In its statement, the diocese encouraged anyone with allegations of abuse by clergy to contact police or diocesan Victim Assistance Advocate Sherry Knox at advocate@dmdiocese.org, sherry.knox@polkcountyiowa.gov or 515-286-2028.