A Michigan priest and podcaster known for his work on exorcisms is facing battery charges in Illinois after an alleged incident where he snatched a teenage girl’s hair and used it to “floss” his teeth.
Father Carlos Martins, who hosts “The Exorcist Files” podcast and authored a book of the same name, is accused of the bizarre act during a visit to a Joliet, Illinois, parish in November. He denies the allegations... Continue reading here ▶
The incident reportedly occurred on November 25th at the Queen of Apostles parish in Joliet. Martins was there as part of the “Relic of St. Jude’s” nationwide American tour, an event organized by his ministry, Treasures of the Church. The relic tour, designed to bring people closer to their faith, took an unexpected turn when the alleged hair-snatching incident took place.
According to a criminal complaint filed on January 22nd in Will County, Illinois, Martins is accused of “placing the hair” of a minor “in his mouth” in an “insulting or provoking nature.” This seemingly simple statement describes an act that has shocked many and raised serious questions about the priest’s behavior.
The details of the alleged incident, as recounted by a teenage witness waiting in line to see the relic, paint a picture of bizarre and unsettling behavior. Joliet Police spokesperson Sgt. Dwayne English told PEOPLE that Martins, who is bald, was making jokes about having hair. He then allegedly grabbed the hair of a 13-year-old girl standing nearby and put it in his mouth. The witness further alleges that Martins then made a flossing motion with the girl’s hair.
The alleged actions didn’t stop there. After the hair-flossing incident, Martins reportedly sat down behind the girl in the pew and began making “growling” noises. This added another layer of strangeness to the already disturbing situation. The growling, combined with the earlier act, left those present, particularly the young girl, feeling understandably disturbed.
The Diocese of Joliet responded swiftly to the allegations. In a statement released in November, the Diocese announced that Martins was ordered to “depart from our parish and out of our Diocese.” This immediate expulsion signaled the seriousness with which the Diocese viewed the accusations against the visiting priest.
On the morning of January 27th, Martins was taken into custody by Joliet police and formally charged with battery. He was subsequently released on a notice to appear in court, meaning he was not held in jail but is required to attend future court proceedings related to the charges.
The religious order to which Treasures of the Church belongs, the Companions of the Cross, also issued a statement regarding the allegations. They announced that Martins had “agreed to withdraw from his pastoral ministry.”
This withdrawal suggests that Martins, at least temporarily, has stepped back from his public religious duties. The Companions of the Cross statement also included a prayer “for all those who are affected by this painful situation,” acknowledging the harm caused by the alleged incident.
The Archdiocese of Detroit, where Martins is based, also responded to the situation. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese stated that Martins is “prohibited from engaging in any public ministry” within the Archdiocese. This prohibition further restricts Martins’ ability to perform public religious functions.
Martins’ attorney, Marcella Burke, issued a statement strongly denying the charges against her client. Burke described the allegations as “egregious and unfounded,” claiming that “the evidence will show that Fr. Carlos did not ‘floss’ with a student’s hair or ‘growl’ among other completely false and repulsive accusations.” She characterized the charges as “a takedown of a good priest and an attempted shakedown of the Church,” expressing confidence that Martins will be “fully exonerated” through the legal process.
This case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the bizarre nature of the alleged act but also because of Martins’ prominent role in the religious community.
His podcast, “The Exorcist Files,” explores the topic of exorcisms, and his book of the same title delves into the same subject matter. The juxtaposition of his work on exorcisms, often associated with serious and solemn religious rituals, and the alleged hair-flossing incident creates a stark contrast that has fueled public interest in the case.
The legal proceedings against Martins are ongoing. The court will need to weigh the evidence presented, including witness testimony and any other relevant information, to determine the validity of the charges. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for Martins’ future in the priesthood and his public ministry.
This incident raises several questions beyond the immediate legal proceedings.
It prompts reflection on the behavior expected of religious figures and the trust placed in them, especially when interacting with minors. It also highlights the power of social media and online platforms in disseminating information, both accurate and inaccurate, about such incidents.
As the legal process unfolds, more details may emerge, shedding further light on the events that transpired at the Queen of Apostles parish and the motivations behind the alleged actions. Regardless of the legal outcome, the incident has undoubtedly left a mark on all those involved, raising complex issues about faith, trust, and accountability.
