PALM BEACH (FL)
WPEC - CBS 12 [West Palm Beach FL]
September 6, 2026
By Grace Bellinghausen
[See also the letter by Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez.]
Boynton Beach FL – The Diocese of Palm Beach says an investigation substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, and fraud against a Boynton Beach priest.
Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez announced the findings in a letter Saturday involving the Rev. Alex J. Vargas, who previously served as pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Boynton Beach.
The diocese said it was notified June 17 of “serious allegations” involving Vargas, according to previous reports. The matter was reported to civil authorities and law enforcement, and Renaissance Associates, Ltd., was hired to conduct an independent investigation.
Because there was no credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, the findings were presented to the diocese’s Adult Allegation Board for review.
The board determined there was insufficient information to substantiate an allegation of sexual abuse.
However, it found sufficient information to substantiate allegations of: Sexual misconduct; Abuse of power, authority, and/or office; Financial malfeasance; and Violations of the diocese’s Code of Conduct, including provisions involving sexual contact, harassment, conflicts of interest, and administrative responsibilities.
The board also determined Vargas is currently unsuitable for ministry.
Rodríguez said he accepted the findings and recommendations. Vargas will remain removed from ministry, and his ministerial faculties will continue to be withdrawn.
“The removal from ministry is not a legal determination of guilt,” Rodríguez wrote.
He said Vargas remains innocent until proven guilty under civil and canon law and will have the opportunity to participate in a canonical judicial process. The diocese said no additional information will be released until that process concludes.
Vargas was placed on administrative leave June 18, one day after the diocese said it received the allegations. His authority to exercise ministry was withdrawn, and he was prohibited from contacting parishioners, employees, volunteers or diocesan organizations without permission.
The diocese previously said the allegations were reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families, local law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office.
The findings come weeks after Rodríguez announced sweeping new safeguarding policies for the Palm Beach Diocese.
The policies took effect Aug. 8 on a two-year experimental basis and created new rules governing clergy conduct, abuse allegations, whistleblowers and priest monitoring.
The reforms also established the Adult Allegation Board to review allegations involving adults and vulnerable adults, including sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse of authority, coercion, exploitation and financial wrongdoing.
A separate clergy-monitoring system allows the diocese to impose restrictions on priests facing allegations or other safeguarding concerns. The policy states monitoring itself does not constitute a finding of guilt.
The new rules also require clergy and employees to report suspected abuse, serious misconduct and financial wrongdoing while protecting people who make good-faith reports from retaliation.
Rodríguez announced Saturday that the Very Rev. Antony Pulikal has been appointed parish administrator of St. Thomas More Parish, with full pastoral and financial authority.
Members of the Diocesan Healing Intervention Team were available after Masses at St. Thomas More Saturday and Sunday to support parishioners and answer questions.