McAllen pastor accused of sexual misconduct with minor, Catholic Diocese of Brownsville says

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Brownsville Bishop Daniel E. Flores has released a statement regarding a report of sexual misconduct by a McAllen pastor.

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the Diocese of Brownsville received an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor against Msgr. Gustavo Barrera that is alleged to have occurred about 35 years ago," the statement reads.

On March 15, upon receiving the report from the Victim's Assistance Coordinator Flores removed Barrera's priestly faculties for ministry while the credibility of the allegation is being assessed by the Diocesan Review Board.

"Our Victim’s Assistance Coordinator met with the person who came forward and encouraged the individual to report the allegation to the police. The individual declined to do so. However, as per policy, the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator did file a police report on this matter," according to the statement.

The Diocesan Review Board is in the process of completing its assessment.

"A credible allegation does not mean guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; it means there is a semblance of truth sufficient for diocesan protocols to be enacted," according to the statement.

Msgr. Barrera submitted his resignation and retirement as a pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in McAllen. The resignation was accepted by Flores on March 23.

Barrera remains without facilities for public ministry.

Father Joe Hernandez has been assigned as parish administrator of the parish.