A Catholic priest known for hosting an exorcism podcast faces allegations of inappropriate conduct during a church event in Illinois.

People reported that Father Carlos Martins of Detroit has been charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly pulling out a 13-year-old girl's hair and using it to floss his teeth during a church event.

The incident occurred on November 25 at Queen of Apostles parish in Joliet, where Martins was conducting the Relic of St. Jude's nationwide American tour through his religious ministry, Treasures of the Church. Police reports indicate the priest's actions left witnesses disturbed and prompted immediate action from church authorities.

Disturbing encounter leads to swift church response

Witnesses present at the church event described a series of unsettling actions by the priest. According to Joliet Police spokesperson Sgt. Dwayne English, Martins, who is bald, began making jokes about having hair while interacting with attendees. The situation escalated when he allegedly grabbed hair from a 13-year-old girl and proceeded to use it as dental floss.

Following this incident, Martins' behavior reportedly became more concerning. Police statements reveal he positioned himself behind the young girl in the church pew and began making growling noises. The unusual conduct was observed by multiple witnesses, including another teenage attendee who later reported the incident to authorities.

Church officials acted swiftly upon learning of the allegations. The Diocese of Joliet immediately ordered Martins to leave both the parish and diocese territory, demonstrating zero tolerance for such behavior within their jurisdiction.

Legal proceedings and ministry restrictions unfold

Law enforcement took decisive action on January 27, when Joliet police took Martins into custody on battery charges. The priest entered a not-guilty plea and was subsequently released with a notice to appear for future court proceedings.

The case has prompted multiple religious organizations to take preventive measures. The Archdiocese of Detroit has banned Martins from conducting any public ministry within their jurisdiction. His religious order, the Companions of the Cross, announced his withdrawal from pastoral duties.

Marcella Burke, Martins' attorney, strongly contests the accusations. She provided a statement defending her client's character and questioning the motives behind the charges.

Burke stated:

The evidence will show that Fr. Carlos did not 'floss' with a student's hair or 'growl' among other completely false and repulsive accusations — this is a takedown of a good priest and an attempted shakedown of the Church. We are confident in the legal process and look forward to our client being fully exonerated.

Impact on religious community and ministry work

The allegations have cast a shadow over Martins' prominent role in religious media. As the host of The Exorcist Files podcast and author of a book sharing the same title, Martins had established himself as a recognized figure in Catholic ministry circles.

The Companions of the Cross issued a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Their response reflects the delicate balance between supporting their member and addressing serious allegations against him. The religious order's statement expressed: "We pray for all those who are affected by this painful situation."

Current status and next steps

Father Carlos Martins remains embroiled in legal proceedings stemming from the November incident at Queen of Apostles parish in Joliet. The Detroit priest, known for his exorcism-focused ministry and media presence, faces misdemeanor battery charges for allegedly pulling a teenage girl's hair and using it as dental floss during a church event.

The case continues to reverberate through religious communities as Martins awaits further legal proceedings. Multiple church authorities have taken preventive action, including ministry restrictions and removal from public duties, while his defense team maintains his innocence and suggests ulterior motives behind the accusations.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Vigilance in Community Gatherings: Always maintain awareness of your surroundings, even in places of worship where safety is typically assumed.

2. Report Unusual Behavior: Timely reporting of any unusual or inappropriate behavior can prevent escalation and protect others.

3. Understand the Legal Protections: Be aware of your rights and the legal protections that exist to address misconduct, particularly in institutions of trust.

Regardless of preventive measures, it's crucial to recognize that crimes can occur anywhere, and blaming victims is never acceptable.

Why This Story Matters

This incident underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of religious spaces. It highlights the traumatic impact that inappropriate behavior by trusted figures can have on communities and young individuals.

Ultimately, the unfolding events will likely influence how religious organizations handle misconduct allegations, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with legal and ethical standards. The revelations from the trial could potentially lead to significant shifts in church policy regarding clergy conduct and the mechanisms for accountability.

In conclusion, the case against Father Carlos Martins for his alleged misconduct during a religious tour casts a spotlight on the expectations and responsibilities bestowed upon religious figures. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep trust communities place in their spiritual leaders and the profound impact when that trust appears to be violated.