Carmelite Brother Charged in New Jersey

The Diocese of Joliet learned today that Carmelite Br. Pedro Cruz Diaz has been charged with criminal sexual assault of a minor in Middlesex County, New Jersey. This is an ongoing criminal investigation, and we do not have any further details regarding the allegations at this time.

Br. Pedro had served as an intern at Joliet Catholic Academy since, November 1, 2024, acting as a substitute teacher and assisting with campus ministry. The Diocese of Joliet and Joliet Catholic Academy are not aware of any alleged misconduct by Br. Pedro at JCA or in Illinois. Br. Pedro is no longer employed at JCA, and the investigation in New Jersey is ongoing.