Famend priest with exorcism podcast accused of utilizing 13-year-old lady’s hair as floss at church occasion

A famend Detroit priest who hosts an exorcism podcast was busted on battery costs Monday for allegedly snatching a teenage lady’s hair and bizarrely pretending to floss with it throughout a November occasion at an Illinois church.

Father Carlos Martins, 50, approached the 13-year-old and made feedback about her hair earlier than grabbing it and making a flossing movement in his mouth whereas they stood in line to view a non secular relic at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Joliet, based on police and native shops.

Martins, who co-hosts The Exorcist Information podcast, then sat behind the younger lady and made a chilling growling noise, police stated, based on Fox 32.

The weird incident occurred on Nov. 21, 2024 whereas Martins was visiting with college students as a part of a nationwide touring exhibit of St. Jude the Apostle. 

He was arrested Monday and charged with misdemeanor battery, based on court docket paperwork filed in Will County.

Marcelle Burke, who’s representing Martins, known as the accusations “egregious and unfounded.”

“The proof will present that Fr. Carlos didn’t batter anybody,” Burke stated in an announcement to Stella Maris Media.

“He didn’t put anybody’s hair in his mouth, not to mention ‘floss’ with a scholar’s hair or ‘growl’ amongst different utterly false and repulsive accusations — this stays a takedown of an excellent priest and an tried shakedown of the Church. We’re assured on this authorized course of and stay up for our shopper being absolutely exonerated.”

Burke argued Martins’ interplay with the lady was all a “joke” to construct a “rapport” with the scholar and stated the priest had quipped that he was bald as a dialog starter, OSV Information reported.

Companions of the Cross stated Martins withdrew from the ministry after the allegations had been made — an motion Burke stated shouldn’t be misinterpreted as an request for forgiveness.

“The Companions of the Cross look upon allegations of misconduct as an pressing matter that requires critical consideration,” the missionary church stated in an announcement this week.

“We pray for all those that are affected by this painful state of affairs.”

Martins, whose standing with the Archdiocese of Detroit is listed as “ministry revoked,” pleaded not responsible.

He’s due again in Will County Circuit Court docket on Feb. 24.