FRANKLIN, TN - A cloud of uncertainty hovers over the Saint Philip Catholic Church community in Franklin as police investigate allegations of child sexual misconduct against Reverend Juan Carlos Garcia, the associate pastor at the church.

In November, Saint Philip officials were alerted to a distressing complaint from a teen in the parish, accusing Father Garcia of improper touching. Following diocesan protocol, the incident was immediately reported to the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS), leading to a comprehensive investigation.

The Diocese of Nashville, responsible for overseeing church matters, took a proactive step by enlisting the expertise of a former FBI agent to conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations. At the same time, the Diocesan Review Board recommended the immediate removal of Father Garcia from ministry while the Franklin Police Department delves deeper into the case.

In Murfreesboro - Reverend Garcia, who assumed his role at Saint Philip in 2022, had previously served as the associate pastor at Saint Rose of Lima in Murfreesboro. Garcia began his work at Saint Rose in August of 2020. That same year, he was ordained to the priesthood, which marked the beginning of his pastoral journey, with Saint Rose being his initial assignment amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.Garcia was at the Church in Murfreesboro for around 2-years before moving to the Church in Franklin in October of 2022.

The case is set to be forwarded to the Williamson County District Attorney's office for further examination. In the interim, the Diocese is emphasizing the legal obligation for anyone suspecting child sex abuse to report it.

Individuals with information related to Father Garcia are urged to reach out to Detective Andrea Clark with the Franklin Police Department's Special Victim's Unit at 615-476-2809.

It's important to note, no charges have officially been filed at this point. The allegations continue to be investigated.

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.