Catholic church officially removes Boynton priest amid investigation
The Palm Beach Diocese has officially removed the Rev. Alex J. Vargas from St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
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Bishop Manuel Rodríguez announced in a Sept 6. letter that an investigation launched after the diocese learned of the allegations in June found insufficient evidence that he had sexually abused a minor.
However, investigators found enough evidence to sustain allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, financial malfeasance and violations of the church’s code of conduct.
Rodríguez emphasized Vargas’ removal is not a determination of guilt. Vargas will participate in a canonical judicial process that will determine whether the allegations are substantiated.
“I recognize that this news may be troubling and difficult to understand,” Rodríguez wrote. He said members of the Diocesan Healing Intervention Team were available to offer support, answer questions and “provide a compassionate space for conversation and healing” for St. Thomas Moore parishioners.
The diocese said Vargas will remained removed from his ministry until the diocese’s investigation is complete.
Priest had worked at St. Thomas More parish for more than 15 years
Bishop Gerald Barbarito, who retired in late 2025, named Vargas the pastor at St. Thomas More in August 2025. The 55-year-old priest had served the parish as an administrator and a vicar for over 15 years. His biography on the church’s website said he was born in 1971 in Honduras.
News of the decision spread quickly online throughout the parish, on Military Trail near Woolbright Road in suburban Boynton Beach. Many spoke of their surprise, while others praised the diocese for disclosing the initial findings of the investigation.
The bishop’s statement drew widely varying responses on social media.
“Vargas is one of the holiest priests I know and I look forward to his day of vindication and the just hand of God to deal with the nefarious individuals trying to defame him and destroy him,” a man who identified himself as a parishioner of St. Thomas Moore wrote in a Facebook comment.
A woman also posting on Facebook praised the diocese’s actions. “And the diocese took action, exactly what parishioners expect when something like this happens,” she wrote. “We separate the Church from the human action. He is now facing his consequences, as he should. And yes, this is my church.”
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Palm Beach Diocese revises rules for priest’s involvement with minors
The diocese in August rolled out a revised Code of Pastoral Conduct for priests and deacons after the investigation into Vargas began.
It specifies acceptable behavior in dealing with minors and tells those it covers that they have “a duty to report misconduct.,” both their own and that of others. Similar rules govern diocese employees and volunteers.
The revised code also includes a whistleblower policy, prohibiting retaliation against anyone who makes good-faith reports or cooperates with investigations.
Under the new rules, clergy are prohibited from using online dating applications, and their electronic communications with minors must be transparent and professional.
The dioceses also created an Adult Allegation Board to review allegations of misconduct involving adults and a Safeguarding Advisory Board to investigate systemic risks across the diocese.
In addition, the diocese established a confidential reporting line that can be reached at 1-833-710-0909.
Valentina Palm covers immigration and breaking news for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Catholic church officially removes Boynton priest amid investigation
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Reporting by Valentina Palm, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 6, 2026 at 3:35 PM.
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