COUNCIL BLUFFS – A priest of the Diocese of Des Moines accused of violating boundary issues related to unwelcome advances toward an adult has departed from the diocese.
Bishop Richard Pates has accepted the request of Father Carlos Gomez Pineda, ordained in 2016, to depart the Diocese of Des Moines, effective immediately, to return to his home diocese of Zacatecoluca in El Salvador.
Father Pineda has been on administrative leave from ministry for the Diocese of DesMoines since February 20, 2018. To date, there have been no criminal charges, civil claims, or canonical convictions against Father Pineda.
Father Carlos Pineda Gomez, who served as parochial vicar of Corpus Christi Parish in Council Bluffs, was suspended in February 2018 by Bishop Richard Pates. Pineda was not allowed to engage in public ministry including celebrating Mass or sacraments, or go to to the parish office, St. Albert Catholic Schools or the parish religious education program. Pates also contacted local law authorities.
The diocese encourages anyone with allegations of abuse by clergy to contact their local police department or diocesan Victim Assistance Advocate Sherry Knox at advocate@dmdiocese.org
