On Tuesday, the FBI announced the arrest of Father Michael Zacharias, a pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Findlay, Ohio, on charges of sex trafficking.

Zacharias was apprehended by the Northwest Ohio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force following a 7 a.m. Mass at St. Michael Parish.

WTOL reported that the Cleveland Division of the FBI has charged Zacharias with sex trafficking of a minor, coercion or enticement, sex trafficking of an adult by force, and fraud or coercion.

Eric Smith, the special agent in charge of the investigation, believes Zacharias has been engaging in sexual acts and grooming minors since the late 1990s.

“This is obviously a sad day not only for the church family, for the community, but it also marks the beginning of healing for those victimized by Michael Zacharias,” Smith said.

During his time as a priest, Zacharias served at other churches including St. Catherine’s in west Toledo. Although officials received complaints against Zacharias from two victims, whose genders have not been released, Agent Smith believes there are more victims.

Following his arrest, Zacharias was immediately placed on leave by the Diocese of Toledo. Bishop Thomas expressed his outrage after learning Zacharias has been accused of sex crimes.

“I am profoundly shocked and grieved to learn of these charges against one of our priests,” he said in a statement.

“The Church cannot and will not tolerate any such behavior and takes any sexual abuse or misconduct on the part of a cleric with the utmost seriousness. As we await the outcome of the criminal investigation, our prayers go out to anyone affected by this situation.”

Officials are requesting that anyone who believes they may have been sexually assaulted or “groomed” by Zacharias for potential future sex-related purposes should contact the FBI at 216-622-6842.

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Representational image AFP / Johannes EISELE
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