EL PASO (TX)
KVIA

EL PASO, Texas — The Catholic Diocese of El Paso has indefinitely suspended Joe Tapia III, a youth minister at San Jose Catholic Church in the diocese, who has been arrested and charged with the sexual exploitation of children for allegedly receiving and producing child pornography.

It’s a crime punishable by 15 to 30 years in federal prison.

“… Please be advised that prior to his arrest, neither Diocesan representatives nor San Jose Parish representatives had received any notice Mr. Tapia was allegedly receiving or producing child pornography. Prior to his selection as a youth minister, Mr. Tapia was subjected to a customary criminal background check, which did not reveal any adverse information. Mr. Tapia completed the Safe Environment and Sexual Harrassment Training provided by the Diocese of El Paso and was in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People….