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Photo: Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville; via Wikipedia.
A Catholic priest ordained just five years ago in the Diocese of Nashville has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple sex crimes involving both minors and adults. The case of Father Juan Carlos Garcia is being cited by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) as evidence that the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse crisis is far from over.
The allegations against Fr. Garcia came to light in 2023, when a young victim reported “improper touching” to Catholic officials. That report ultimately led to a criminal investigation and Garcia’s conviction. SNAP commended the survivor for coming forward, noting that their courage was instrumental in ensuring Garcia was held accountable. The group also urged the Diocese of Nashville to disclose whether any prior red flags had been raised about Garcia before the 2023 report.
Garcia was ordained in 2020, making his case particularly alarming to those who have long advocated for stronger screening and transparency within the Church. SNAP pointed to a recent case in which the Diocese of Nashville reportedly failed to act on concerns about a Catholic school teacher who later abused a child. “We suspect that an ordained clergyman would be even more likely to have red flags dismissed,” the organization said in a statement.
So far in 2025, SNAP reports that there has been roughly one arrest per week in Catholic institutions across the United States. While many of those cases involve historical allegations, advocates emphasize that it often takes survivors decades to come forward due to the trauma and stigma surrounding sexual abuse. SNAP warned that the Garcia case could be a preview of future revelations still to come, stating, “We suspect that 30, 40, or 50 years from now our suspicions will be confirmed.”
Fr. Garcia’s conviction is emblematic of the continued vulnerability of children and adults in religious institutions, and advocates say it reinforces the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and survivor support throughout the Catholic Church.
Legal Help For Survivors of Clergy Abuse
If you or someone you love experienced abuse by a Catholic priest, clergy member, or Church employee, you are not alone—and legal support may be available. Visit our Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide to learn more about your rights, explore recent legal developments, and how we may help connect you with an attorney who is committed to helping survivors pursue justice and compensation.
You may also fill out our brief, confidential form to have your case evaluated at no cost.
