Texas Priest Disappears Amid Molestation Allegations

DALLAS (AP) — A Texas priest who's accused of molesting teens and stealing from his parish has gone missing.

The Dallas Morning news reports that St. Cecilia Catholic Church officials believe the Rev. Edmundo Paredes may have fled to his native country of the Philippines.

Bishop Edward Burns says Dallas police have found the sexual allegations to be credible.

The church first began investigating Paredes in May 2017 over allegations he stole $60,000 to $80,000 in cash. Burns says Paredes admitted to the financial misconduct and was suspended from the ministry and removed from the church in June 2017.

Church officials then received allegations in February that Paredes molested three teenage boys more than a decade ago.

Burns says the Catholic Church is hiring private investigators to find Paredes.