ARLINGTON (VA)
Diocese of Arlington VA
October 4, 2022
On Friday, September 30, the Diocese of Arlington received allegations of sexual abuse of minors related to Fr. Robert Buchmeier, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. The allegations allege abuse prior to his ordination in 1991. After reviewing the preliminary information, the Diocese of Arlington provided the allegations to the Archdiocese of Washington, where Fr. Buchmeier is incardinated, and immediately reported it to Alexandria City Police. Upon request, we will participate in any archdiocesan or law enforcement investigation and provide pastoral support and counseling to the alleged victims and their families.
The Diocese of Arlington has a zero-tolerance policy for abuse. No one with a credible accusation of abuse of minors is serving in the Diocese.
We are committed to training our clergy, staff and volunteers to identify and report suspected instances of abuse. The Diocese of Arlington encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of any cleric, employee or volunteer of the Diocese to notify civil authorities, as well as to reach out to the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (703) 841-2530.