Diocesan Statement on Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona
On Monday, January 6th Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona was arraigned in Danbury on charges related to allegations of abuse of a juvenile. Fr. Marin-Cardona is being held on a bond.
On Friday, January 3rd, in cooperation with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Father Jaime Marin-Cardona, 51, turned himself into the Danbury Police Department upon learning that they had a warrant for his arrest. Fr. Cardona has been charged with three counts of both sexual assault in the 4th degree and risk of injury to a minor.
On December 11th, Father Jaime Marin-Cardona was placed on Administrative Leave by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano after being informed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) that it had substantiated allegations of abuse against him after an investigation.
This is a moment of great disappointment in light of the steps the diocese has taken to safeguard children. However, it is important to note that the diocese brought the allegations against Father Marin-Cardona to the Danbury Police after the Department of Children and Families initially declined to accept the case. DCF subsequently took over the investigation and arrived at a finding of substantiation regarding the allegations. The diocese fully cooperated with both the Danbury Police and DCF throughout the investigation. This incident underlines the significance of being aware of the warning signs of possible abuse and the vital importance of observing our Safe Environments Policies.
We recognize how this deeply impacts and further wounds survivors of abuse. This news is also deeply distressing to all members of the Church and those who have been wounded by the abuse crisis. However, it will not be a setback to our commitment to end the scourge of abuse in every form, continue to educate regarding the signs of potential abuse and to create a safe environment that protects children throughout the diocese.
The diocese urges anyone with concerns or information to come forward immediately by calling the office of Safe Environments at (203) 416-1406; Diocesan Victims Assistance 203-650-3265/203-241-0987; the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (800)-842-2288; the Survivor and Witness Hotline: (833) 990-0004 or emailing www.lighthouse-services.com/diobpt. All calls are confidential; however, all allegations of abuse of a minor must be communicated to civil authorities.
Statement from Bishop Frank Caggiano
On Monday, January 6th Fr. Jaime Marin-Cardona was arraigned in Danbury on charges related to allegations of abuse of a juvenile. Fr. Marin-Cardona is being held on a bond.
On Friday, January 3rd, in cooperation with the Diocese of Bridgeport, Father Jaime Marin-Cardona, 51, turned himself into the Danbury Police Department upon learning that they had a warrant for his arrest. Fr. Cardona has been charged with three counts of both sexual assault in the 4th degree and risk of injury to a minor.
My heart breaks for the victims, survivors, and their families who are struggling with this betrayal of trust and authority.
In light of these developments, I want to reiterate that the Diocese is unshakably committed to combating the sexual abuse of minors, which is both a crime and grave sin, wherever it is found. We remain committed to standing with the victims and survivors of sexual abuse and to assist with healing in any way possible.
I also want to take this opportunity to commend the continued vigilance of the parents and all involved who initially reported their concerns to the Diocese. This incident underlines the significance of being aware of the warning signs of possible abuse and the vital importance of observing our Safe Environments Policies.
While this news is deeply distressing for other victims of abuse, all the members of the Church, and all those who have been wounded by the abuse crisis, it will not be a setback to our commitment to end the scourge of abuse in every form, continue to educate regarding the signs of potential abuse and to create a safe environment that protects children throughout the diocese.
I wish again to offer my profound and heartfelt apology to all who have suffered abuse, and to all those who have lost a sense of trust or feel betrayed by the Church. My personal commitment is to do whatever is humanly possible to eradicate this evil from our midst.
