Vicar General Of The Diocese Of Charlotte Steps Down Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monsignor Mauricio West, the vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, has stepped down from his position effective March 25th, after an investigation into a sexual misconduct allegation, according to a statement released by Bishop Peter Jugis, on Thursday morning.

Here is the full statement from Bishop Peter Jugis:

“The Diocese of Charlotte announces that Monsignor Mauricio West has stepped down from his position as vicar general and chancellor, effective Monday, March 25, 2019. His departure follows a recent finding by the Lay Review Board of the Diocese of a credible allegation of sexual misconduct.

The alleged events occurred in the mid-1980s when Monsignor West was the Vice President for Student Affairs at Belmont Abbey College, and involved multiple instances of unwanted overtures toward an adult student over a two-year period. In February, the individual met personally with the Lay Review Board to discuss the allegation.

Monsignor West has denied the allegation. During a period of counseling and assessment, he will be on a leave of absence from his ministerial duties.

While the alleged behavior did not constitute sexual abuse and did not involve a minor, it is the strict policy of the Diocese of Charlotte to refer all allegations by known accusers of potential sexual misconduct to the Lay Review Board for investigation. Misconduct includes boundary violations and improper behavior by clergy, lay people and church volunteers involving children and adults.

Personally, and on behalf of the Catholic Church, I extend our deepest apologies to the victim in this case and pray for all who have suffered from misconduct. The Diocese of Charlotte is committed to taking all necessary steps to root out all inappropriate behavior and to being open and transparent about our handling of all allegations of such conduct.”

Monsignor West reported directly to the bishop on all matters related to the clergy and vocations, in his role as vicar general, and also acted as acting bishop in the bishop’s absence.

As chancellor he was responsible for the administrative and business operations of the diocese.  Monsignor West also worked closely with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte and the diocesan schools system, as well as sitting on the board of directors for the Catholic News Herald’s parent company Cathedral Publishing.

Monsignor West served for six years as associate pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, before becoming vicar general and chancellor. He was the fourth chancellor of the Charlotte diocese and served for nearly 25 years, which was longer than anyone else who has held the position.