CLEVELAND (OH)
WKYC-TV, NBC - 3 [Cleveland OH]
September 30, 2025
By Anna Meyer
Dean Dimon, who identified himself as a priest for the church, was arrested by the H.E.A.L. Task Force for allegedly soliciting prostitution.
Dean Dimon, 76, of Avon, a priest at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest on solicitation charges, 3News has learned.
Dimon, who identified himself as a priest for the church, was arrested by the H.E.A.L. Task Force for allegedly soliciting prostitution. Court records indicate he has a prior offense for solicitation.
The case was filed in Avon Municipal Court, charging him with soliciting sex for hire. Dimon posted a bond and was released.
Dimon’s arraignment took place on Sept. 24, 2025, where he entered a not guilty plea.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29
Dimon was arrested as part of a statewide crackdown on human trafficking, the results of which were announced Monday by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “Operation Next Door” led to the arrests of 135 people who were allegedly seeking to buy sex, including from minors.
Chancellor George S. Callos of Pittsburgh, representing the church, confirmed the administrative leave and issued a statement:
“We are deeply disappointed to learn of the arrest of one of our priests in connection with alleged acts of solicitation. These alleged acts are abhorrent and stand in direct contradiction to the moral and spiritual standards we uphold as a Church and which we expect from our clergy. Upon hearing of the charges, we immediately placed Father Dimon on administrative leave, removing him from all pastoral and ministerial duties, while the justice system takes its course.”