Fuquay-Varina priest removed from parish after financial audits

A pastor at a Wake County church has been removed due to alleged "financial improprieties," according to diocesan officials.

Fr. Carlos Arce is no longer serving in his role at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Fuquay-Varina after a series of irregularities were found during recent financial audits.

Diocesan leadership determined that recent audit findings warranted immediate action. The church said Arce's faculties for priestly ministry have been restricted while outside auditors and law enforcement investigate the inconsistencies.

Fr. Bill John Acosta-Escobar has been assigned as parish administrator, effective April 6.

A letter from the Diocese of Raleigh to parishioners reads, "Due to credible allegations of financial impropriety while in his role as pastor at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh informed parishioners that Fr. Carlos Arce had been removed from the parish and can no longer function as a priest during the investigation."