MOBILE (AL)
AL.com [Birmingham, AL]
April 15, 2024
By Warren Kulo
A woman has accused a 73-year-old Mobile priest of fondling her and kissing her without consent, which led to his arrest Saturday on charges of sexual misconduct and harassment.
Fr. David J. Tokarz turned himself in Saturday after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was booked into Mobile Metro Jail late Saturday morning and released on $1,500 bond a few hours later.
Tokarz, 73, is the pastor at Our Savior Church in Mobile and has been in the priesthood for 32 years.
WALA reported Monday that Tokarz is alleged to have hugged the woman on March 2, during which is rubbed his hands on her breasts and patted them. Four days later, Tokarz is accused of kissing the woman on the lips in the church rectory, without her consent.
The Archdiocese of Mobile released a statement following Tokarz’ arrest.
“The Archdiocese of Mobile is aware that misdemeanor charges have been brought against Fr. David Tokarz, Pastor of Our Savior Church in Mobile, but an adult woman,” the statement read. “Since this is an active legal matter, questions about the charges should be referred to Fr. Tokarz’ attorney. We ask for your prayers for all affected by this situation.”
In a Facebook post dated April 1, the Community of Christ Church in Mobile asked for prayers for Tokarz’.
“Currently his prayer needs are undisclosed to us, but God already knows, so in faith, led us hold him up,” the post read.
Both charges against Tokarz are misdemeanors. Sexual misconduct, a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama, carries a possible jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $6,000. Harassment is a Class C misdemeanor with possible jail time of three months and a maximum fine of $500.
Tokarz is due to be arraigned in Mobile County Court May 1.