A Detroit-based priest, Father Carlos Martins, known for his involvement in an exorcism-themed podcast, has been charged with misdemeanor battery in Illinois. The charge stems from an incident last November wherein Martins allegedly used the hair of a 13-year-old girl to make a flossing motion in his mouth. The event took place at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Joliet during an exhibition of St. Jude the Apostle relics, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
Martins, who is also the host of 'The Exorcist Files' podcast, reportedly asked the girl about her hair and if she had ever used it to floss before performing the flossing gesture. Following this, he is said to have snarled at her from the seat behind her. These details were confirmed by the Joliet Police Department, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The priest was arrested after surrendering to the authorities, and if convicted, he could face up to a year in prison or be placed on probation.
His attorney Marcelle Burke has strongly refuted the allegations, calling them "egregious and unfounded." According to a New York Post article, Burke stated, "The evidence will show that Fr. Carlos did not batter anyone." Burke added, "He did not put anyone’s hair in his mouth, let alone ‘floss’ with a student’s hair or ‘growl’ among other completely false and repulsive accusations — this remains a takedown of a good priest and an attempted shakedown of the Church." The defense suggests that Martins’ behavior was an attempt to create a rapport with the student through humor.
In the wake of the accusations, the Companions of the Cross have confirmed that Martins has been withdrawn from active ministry pending the outcome of his case, and his status with the Archdiocese of Detroit has been updated to "ministry revoked." The Companions of the Cross emphasized the gravity with which they approach misconduct allegations and expressed their prayers for all parties involved in this situation. Martins, who has pleaded not guilty, is expected back in Will County Circuit Court on February 24, as noted by authorities via New York Post.
