WEST PALM BEACH (FL)
WPEC - CBS 12 [West Palm Beach FL]
June 22, 2026
By Antoinette DelBel
Questions remain surrounding allegations against a Boynton Beach Catholic priest after the Diocese of Palm Beach announced it has hired an independent investigative firm to review the claims.
Father Alex Vargas of St. Thomas More Parish was placed on administrative leave last Thursday over what the Diocese described as “serious allegations.” Church officials have not disclosed the nature of the allegations.
The Diocese said it has retained Renaissance Associates, a private investigative firm, to conduct an independent review.
While the Diocese has not specified the allegations against Vargas, its public statement encouraged anyone who may have suffered abuse by a church representative to report it to the Diocese or the Florida Department of Children and Families.
That language left some parishioners concerned the allegations could involve abuse.
“The whole congregation is in shock over what happened,” one parishioner told CBS12 News. “It’s a very sad situation. I said prayers for him and for others that are involved with the situation. Our hearts are breaking.”
See also: Port St. Lucie weighs twice-weekly trash pickup, possible added cost and vote
Michele Garreffa, a member of the parish, said she hopes the allegations do not involve abuse.
“Of course I want to believe it’s not anything like that. That’s my hope,” Garreffa said.
The Diocese said it reported the allegations to DCF and has since notified law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office.
“The Diocese reported the allegations to local law enforcement and to the State Attorney’s office,” Jennifer Trefelner, director of communications and development with the Diocese of Palm Beach, said in an email Monday.
Trefelner also emailed CBS12 on Friday, June 19, saying, “The Diocese of Palm Beach reported allegations received to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) on June 18, 2026. The report was made by its Victim Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Lisa Linnell.”
Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said involving law enforcement is critical when allegations could involve criminal conduct.
“If they are aware of credible allegations and they only internally handle it, they could face massive liability risks,” Aronberg said. “The best practice here goes beyond putting someone on leave, it goes beyond telling DCF, you need to tell law enforcement.”
Aronberg said investigators typically begin by interviewing individuals and potential witnesses and reviewing any available evidence, including surveillance footage.
“I know that they have put this individual, according to reports, on administrative leave.,” he said. “That is an administrative act, not a legal one.”
Despite the allegations, several parishioners told CBS12 they are reserving judgment until more information becomes available.
“I think he’s a holy man and he’s always there for everybody,” parishioner Dominic Imperioli said.
Another parishioner said the situation has weighed heavily on the church community.
“I don’t think anybody should pass any judgement until they have all the facts,” said parishioner Judi Ray.
When contacted by CBS12, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said it was not aware of any investigation involving Vargas. The Florida Department of Children and Families and the State Attorney’s Office declined to comment.
Both the church’s independent review and any potential law enforcement investigation remain ongoing.