Diocese of Arlington priest, serving in Purcellville, placed on leave

December 14, 2018 Update: The Diocese of Arlington has received the news that Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will not press criminal charges against Father Escalante. Having received this news, the Diocese will conduct an investigation of matters that pertain to its Code of Conduct for Clergy and report its findings in a timely way.

December 7, 2018

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has placed Father Ronald S. Escalante, Pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Church, Purcellville, on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation of alleged boundary violations involving a minor and adults which transgress the Code of Conduct for Clergy in the Diocese of Arlington. In accord with diocesan policy, these allegations were reported to local law enforcement and considered by the Diocesan Review Board. Father Escalante denies the accusations, and he has stated that he is cooperating fully with the investigation.

(Code of Conduct for Clergy: https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/Child-Protection/bgc-code-of-conduct-clergy.pdf)

While Father Escalante remains the Pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Church, Bishop Burbidge will appoint a Parochial Administrator for the parish as the Diocese continues this investigation

The Diocese of Arlington encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of any cleric or employee of the Diocese to report it to the Virginia Attorney General hotline ( VirginiaClergyHotline.com), and also to contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (703) 841-2530. The diocesan child protection policy is online at arlingtondiocese.org