PALM BEACH (FL)
WPBF - ABC 25 [Palm Beach Gardens FL]
September 7, 2026
By Malcolm Shields
[See also the letter by Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez.]
The Diocese of Palm Beach released an update in regard to alleged misconduct against one of its reverends.
The Diocese of Palm Beach announced on Saturday, Sept. 5, that following an independent investigation, it determined that there was insufficient information against Reverend Alex J. Vargas of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach to substantiate or prove the allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
The diocese added there was sufficient information to substantiate allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, authority and/or office, financial malfeasance and violation of the code of conduct including provisions relating to sexual contact, harassment, conflicts of interest and administrative responsibilities against Vargas.
The Diocese of Palm Beach said Renaissance Associates, LTD, a law firm based in New York, conducted the investigation.
The findings of the investigation were presented to the Adult Allegation Board of the Diocese of Palm Beach for review.
A letter signed by Most Reverend Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, the Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, stated that for the time being, Vargas was “deemed unsuitable for ministry.”
The letter states that Vargas was removed from his ministry and will be given the opportunity to participate in a canonical judicial process.
It was also noted that Vargas’ removal is not a legal determination of guilt and “as provided by both civil and canon law, Reverend Alex J. Vargas remains innocent until proven guilty.”
Rev. de Jesús Rodríguez announced that he appointed Very Reverend Antony Pulikal as the parish administrator of St. Thomas More Parish.
Rev. de Jesús Rodríguez added that members of the Diocesan Healing Intervention Team were available at Mass on Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, to offer support, answer questions and provide a “compassionate space for conversation and healing.”
The Diocese of Palm Beach said it was informed on June 17 of “serious allegations” against Vargas, and he was placed on administrative leave.
At the time of the announcement, the diocese said Vargas had been removed from his duties at St. Thomas More Parish and that authorities had been contacted.
WPBF 25 News contacted the Boynton Beach Police Department and State Attorney’s Office in Palm Beach County on Sunday, Sept. 6, for comment and is awaiting responses.