Garland police cuffed a Dallas priest on two counts of indecency with a child, throwing the local Catholic community into turmoil. Ricardo Reyes Mata, 34, a clergyman with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, found himself behind bars following accusations of alleged inappropriate contact with two minors. The incidents supposedly took place during a visit to a Garland residence.

According to the Garland Police Department, the arrest occurred on May 6, with authorities making the matter public the following day. While in custody awaiting proceedings, Mata sits in the Garland Detention Center, the bonds having been set at staggering amounts of $75,000 and $100,000.

Unfolding the narrative of concern, the Garland Detectives are actively engaging with the Diocese of Dallas about this deeply troubling case. They continue to sift through the details, ascertaining the timeline and the extent of the alleged misdeeds by the priest, in a committed attempt to bring clarity and justice to the forefront.

This unsettling arrest has prompted police to reach out to the community, inviting anyone with information related to this case, or further untold incidents, to come forward. Urging the public’s assistance to unveil the truth from the shadows, the Garland Police Department emphasizes, “If anyone has information regarding this investigation or any other incident, they are encouraged to call the Garland Police Department at 972-485-4840.” The aim is to ensure that no stone is left unturned, and no child left unheard in the wake of this scandal.