Catholic Priest, Pastor Charged In Miami Beach Sex Act

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Two Chicago area Catholic priests, including a pastor, are facing sex charges following their Labor Day arrest on tourist-favorite Ocean Drive in South Beach just steps away from an oceanfront playground for children. Father Edwin Giraldo Cortes and Pastor Diego Berrio were spotted performing a sex act Monday on one of the busiest streets in the tourist city, according to Miami Beach police.

"This act was occurring in full view of the public passing by on Ocean Drive and the sidewalk," court documents said. The incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. in a parked car.

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The two men listed their occupations as "priest" on arrest documents and their address at Misión San Juan Diego in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

"Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, has removed Father Berrio from ministry and withdrawn his faculties to minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago, effective immediately," Archdiocese of Chicago spokeswoman Anne Maselli told Patch. "The archdiocese will appoint an administrator for the Misión San Juan Diego as soon as possible."

Maselli identified Cortes as an "extern priest" from Soacha, Colombia who served at St. Aloysius Parish in Chicago during the month of August.

"Archdiocese representatives have been in contact with Fr. Cortes’ home diocese of Soacha, Colombia and informed them that Fr. Cortes will not be granted additional faculties to minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago," said Maselli.

Miami Beach police said they initially responded to a call of two men performing oral sex in a black Volkswagon in the 1300 block of Ocean Drive. The priests were parked on the beach side of the street though bad weather dampened the usual holiday crowd. But even on a rain-soaked holiday, Ocean Drive is one of the busiest streets in Miami Beach with block after block of outdoor cafes, nightclubs and hotels.

"It is our responsibility to ensure those who serve our people are fit for ministry," Maselli added. "We take this matter very seriously and will provide updates as they become available."

The 39-year-old Berrio and Giraldo Cortes were each charged with lewd and lascivious behavior. The 30-year-0ld Giraldo Cortes was also charged with indecent exposure.

"It should also be noted that the vehicle's windows were completely clear," court documents added.

Father Edwin Giraldo Cortes (left) and Father Diego Berrio were arrested along iconic Ocean Drive in Miami Beach on Labor Day. Photos courtesy Miami-Dade Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.