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The Rev. Jaime Marin-Cardona, 51, has been charged with three counts of illegal sexual contact, three counts of sexual assault and of risk of injury to a child, said the Diocese of Bridgeport.
According to the diocese, Marin-Cardona was removed from ministry in September 2019, after the diocese received a letter from the minor's parents voicing concerns about his contact with a family member.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said most recently Marin-Cardona served at Saint Mary Parish in Bridgeport. Before that, he was assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Danbury, Saint Joseph Parish in Norwalk, and Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bridgeport.
The diocese initiated the investigation by sending a report to both the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the Danbury Police in September 2019, the diocese statement said.
"At that time, I immediately removed Father Marin-Cardona from ministry, ordered him to move out of the parish to an adult facility and restricted contact with any minor during the investigation," said Bishop Caggiano.
In the initial interviews, the parents, as well as the victim, indicated that no abuse had occurred, and as a result, DCF did not accept the report for further investigation.
However, the police continued its investigation and based on information obtained, DCF and the Danbury Police both accepted the report for further investigation.
The investigation concluded with charges against Marin-Cardona, a native of Medellin Colombia.
He is being held on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment on Monday, Jan. 6. A plea hearing is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 31, officials said.
The diocese encouraged anyone with concerns or information to come forward immediately by calling the office of Safe Environments at 203-416-1406 the Survivor and Witness Hotline at 833-990-0004.
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