A North Carolina priest was arrested early Monday after deputies allegedly found him soliciting sex in a church parking lot.

According to ABC7 Chicago, Father Clemente Olvera Guerrero, a Catholic priest at St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, was taken into custody on August 4 and charged with felony solicitation of prostitution after an encounter with law enforcement in the early morning hours.

The arrest occurred around 1 a.m. in Johnston County when deputies were searching the area for a missing child. During their investigation, they came across a man behaving suspiciously in the church parking lot. That man was later identified as 47-year-old Father Clemente Olvera Guerrero.

Officials say that Olvera allegedly attempted to flee the scene when approached by law enforcement. Deputies pursued and successfully apprehended him shortly afterward. Authorities have confirmed that his arrest was not connected to the ongoing search for the missing child.

Deputies claimed that Olvera was engaged in soliciting sex from an adult male at the time they encountered him. The incident took place in the parking lot of St. Ann Catholic Church, located in Clayton, where Olvera had been serving since July 2023.

Arrest Unrelated To Missing Child Investigation

Following his arrest, Olvera was formally charged with felony solicitation of prostitution. He was booked into the Johnston County Detention Center later that morning. A $2,500 secured bond was set for his release, which he posted on the same day.

Officials stated that Olvera resides in Smithfield, a nearby city in North Carolina. He had been living there since his priestly appointment at St. Ann Catholic Church over a year ago. His previous religious work was carried out in Mexico, before he arrived in the Diocese of Raleigh.

On July 11, 2023, Olvera was named Parochial Vicar of St. Ann Catholic Church by the Diocese of Raleigh. His appointment was part of the church’s ongoing efforts to serve its growing community in Johnston County. The role placed him in a position of leadership within the parish.

Church Responds To Clergy Allegations

In response to the arrest, the Diocese of Raleigh took swift disciplinary action. Church leaders announced they had revoked Olvera’s priestly faculties within the diocese. They also confirmed that he would be returned to his religious order while the matter undergoes further legal and ecclesiastical review.

“While Fr. Clemente deserves a full presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, his priestly faculties in the Diocese of Raleigh have been revoked and he will be returned to his religious order while this matter is further investigated by legal and canonical authorities,” the church said in a public statement issued Tuesday.

The diocese emphasized that legal and church-based investigations will proceed simultaneously. Church authorities pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and affirmed their commitment to upholding the public’s trust. No further disciplinary decisions have been announced pending those investigations.

Community Reacts As Investigation Continues

Olvera's arrest has left the parish community in Clayton reeling, as many struggle to reconcile the allegations with his role as a spiritual leader. Local parishioners have expressed a mix of shock and disappointment following the revelations. Some have also called for transparency from church officials as the process unfolds.

The incident has reignited public discussions around clergy conduct and accountability. While the church maintains that Olvera is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, the nature of the allegations has raised serious concerns. Parish leaders are expected to provide pastoral support for the congregation in the coming weeks.

At this time, no further charges related to the incident have been reported. Authorities have also confirmed that no minors were involved and that the solicitation involved only consenting adults. The primary focus remains on the criminal charge of felony solicitation of prostitution.

Legal And Church Proceedings Expected To Follow

As of Friday, Olvera is not in custody but remains under investigation both legally and within the Diocese of Raleigh. His future as a priest hinges on the outcome of these proceedings. The church has not set a timeline for determining next steps in the disciplinary process.

The Diocese has urged the public to remain patient while appropriate agencies handle the matter. No additional public comments have been made by Olvera or his legal representatives. It is unclear if he has retained an attorney at this time.

St. Ann Catholic Church has not announced who will assume Olvera’s responsibilities in the interim. Church leadership is expected to release more details to the parish community as soon as possible.