05-02-2025
Detroit priest charged after allegedly placing minor's hair in his mouth during relic tour
A Detroit priest known for leading religious relic tours and hosting an exorcism podcast has been charged after allegedly placing a teenage girl's hair in his mouth and pretending to floss with it.
Father Carlos Martins, a member of the Catholic Church and the co-host of "The Exorcist Files" podcast, was charged with misdemeanor battery in Illinois.
Through Treasures of the Church, a Catholic ministry located in northwest Detroit, the priest was responsible for traveling with relics of saints to various locations and offering educational presentations. According to a Jan. 22 criminal complaint, Martins "made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature" when he "placed the hair" of a minor "in his mouth."
The incident occurred on Nov. 21, 2024, during the relic of St. Jude tour at the Queen of Apostles parish in Joliet, Illinois, according to a statement from the Diocese of Joliet.
Several news outlets also reported that the priest later allegedly sat behind the teen in the pew and made growling noises.
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Due to a lack of criminal history, a warrant for Martins' arrest was overturned when he appeared in court on Jan. 27 and pleaded not guilty. He was processed by the Joliet Police Department, arraigned, and released as he awaits his pretrial hearing, court records from the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court in Will County show.
"In Illinois, batteries are not detainable, so he came in to quash the warrant," said the Will County assistant state's attorney, Laura Byrne. "The warrant was quashed and recalled, and his pre-trial conditions were modified to allow him to reside in Michigan and to have no contact with the victim."
In a public statement, The Companions of the Cross, the religious order to which Treasures of the Church is affiliated, said Martins agreed to withdraw from his pastoral duties after the church was informed of the allegation.
"He remains entitled to due process, as is any accused," according to the church. "The Companions of the Cross look upon allegations of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention. We pray for all those who are affected by this painful situation."
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Martins' next court date is set for Feb. 24.
The Free Press contacted Martins' attorney for comment, but the attorney declined to speak on the record.
Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@ Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit priest accused of placing minor's hair in his mouth
