Archdiocese Removes Encino Pastor Accused Of Child Annoyance

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating an allegation of child annoyance involving an associate pastor at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Encino, it was reported Tuesday.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles last week removed the Rev. Juan Cano from ministry and placed him on administrative leave as a result of reports of inappropriate contact with parishioners, according to a statement by the Archdiocese.

"Last week, Father Juan Cano was removed from ministry and placed on administrative leave as a result of reports of inappropriate contact by Father Cano involving several females in the parish, including one who is a current minor. The matters have been reported to the authorities, and the parish and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are collaborating fully in the investigation," the statement read.

The Los Angeles City Attorney's office, which prosecutes misdemeanors, will be reviewing the findings of police, LAPD Officer Drake Madison told the Los Angeles Daily News.

Cano had served as associate pastor at the church since July 2015. The Archdiocese announced the news of his removal at masses at the church on Saturday evening and on Sunday, the Daily News reported.

The Archdiocese has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of allegation relating to sexual misconduct involving a child, an Archdiocese spokesman told the Daily News.

Anyone with information or concerns about Cano was urged to contact LAPD Detective Rose Gaeta at (213) 486-0580 or the Archdiocesan Office of Victims Assistance Ministry at (213) 637-7650.

City News Service