Findlay Priest Arrested On Child Sex Trafficking Charges

Father Michael Zacharias, pastor at St. Michael The Archangel Parish in Findlay has been arrested by the FBI and charged with coercion and enticement, sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking of an adult.

The FBI says they made the arrest Tuesday morning at his residence near the church.

According to the complaint, investigators are aware Zacharias, age 53, has engaged in sexual conduct with minors since the late 1990s.

The offenses he has been charged with allegedly involve two boys from Catholic schools in Toledo.

The FBI believes there are additional victims they are unaware of and is asking anyone who had contact with Zacharias and was inappropriately touched or sexually assaulted by him to contact the FBI at 216-622-6842.

The Diocese of Toledo has placed Father Zacharias on administrative leave effective immediately.

“I am distraught by the news of the arrest of Father Michael Zacharias,” said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn.

“These allegations are not taken lightly, and the Findlay Police Department and our community at large will support the full and thorough investigation by the FBI. Such abuse of power, and perversion of sexuality is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated by any organization, individual, or society.”