Trial of Fr. Armand Garcia in Philadelphia again continued; SNAP hopes for the victim's sake this will be the final delay

We were astonished to learn of yet another continuance in the trial of Philadelphia Catholic priest Armand Garcia. The cleric’s trial was set to begin on July 12, 2021, but has been put off until August 24, 2021. We can imagine how hard these continued delays must be on the brave survivor. We here at SNAP support her and hope that the slow wheels of justice will soon provide the closure she deserves.

n March of 2018, detectives from the Philadelphia Police Department informed the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that their department was investigating a report of rape against a child. One year later, Fr. Garcia was charged with rape, sexual assault, and the corruption of minors.

We recognize that sometimes delays are sometimes necessary. However, we are concerned because Fr. Garcia has remained free while the legal process unfolds. We worry that the clergyman remains a threat to children and society as a whole while he remains out on bail. We hope not only for the sake of the courageous survivor who has come forward but also for the sake of today's children that there will be no further delays in this case.

SNAP encourages anyone who has suffered sexual assault at the hands of a Catholic priest, brother, nun, lay employee or volunteer to report this to law enforcement, regardless of how long ago it occurred.

CONTACT: Michael McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager ([email protected], 267-261-0578), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)


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