Archdiocese Investigates Allegations Against Former Priest

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A priest who worked for years in the Baltimore archdiocese has confessed to sexually abusing a child. Now parishioners say they want more answers as the church continues its investigation.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the disturbing confession.

Father Antonio Velez is now permanently barred from ministry in the US but at this point, he is not facing criminal charges.

He was a prominent part of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Columbia from 2003 to 2010. Now Father Antonio Velez admits he engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl for a number of years while he served at the church.

"I'm just disgusted. I'm disgusted," said parishioner Sheila Alvelo.

Speaking to WJZ by phone, parishioner Sheila Alvelo says she fears the abuse could be more widespread.

"It worries me that other children that are part of that generation, that were at that church were also abused and that they're just in hiding," she said.

Archdiocese officials say the victim, now an adult, came forward in mid-January. She met Velez at Resurrection of the Lord in Laurel, where he ministered to the Spanish-speaking community, and had an ongoing relationship.

Church officials immediately alerted police.

In February, they confronted Velez, who's now a priest in Louisiana.

"He admitted it and at that point, it was just letting him know he was no longer welcome here," said Sean Caine, Archdiocese of Baltimore.

In a letter to parishioners obtained by WJZ, church leaders say they were horrified to hear of Father Velez' confession. They write, "There is a sense of loss on many levels, both in matters of personal trust and even faith. There is also a strong desire to do what is just, and healing."

Some are upset criminal charges haven't been filed against Velez.

"I just want to make sure that we get justice and he goes to jail where he deserves to be," said Alvelo.

So far, no other victims have come forward.

Howard County Police say there is not a criminal investigation.

Church officials are encouraging any other victims to come forward.