Tennessee Priest Gets 7 Years On Child Sex Charges

July 17, 2025 Crime, Religion

From the Diocese Of Nashville:

Juan Carlos Garcia, a former associate pastor at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin, pleaded guilty Monday in Williamson County Court to charges stemming from a 2024 indictment on multiple counts of sexual misconduct involving both minors and adults.

Garcia entered a plea to all the original charges. In making the plea, Garcia admitted his guilt, was sentenced to seven years at 100% in state prison, and will be listed on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. He also agreed not to contest laicization from the priesthood.

The charges, filed in February 2024, included one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, one count of aggravated sexual battery, four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, and two counts of sexual battery. The indictment followed an investigation initiated by the Franklin Police Department after the Diocese of Nashville contacted law enforcement in November 2023 with information received about alleged misconduct by Garcia.

Throughout the process, the Diocese has stated it is fully cooperating with civil authorities and continues to offer victim assistance to those affected by abuse within the church’s ministries. Individuals with relevant information have been urged to contact the Franklin Police Department.

Read the full press release.



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