The following is a Press Release from Treasures of the Church…
Joliet, IL — July 30, 2025 — Father Carlos Martins, Catholic priest, popular evangelist, and best-selling author, is fully cleared of all charges stemming from a relic exposition held on November 21, 2024, at Queen of Apostles Parish in Joliet, Illinois.
On July 30, 2025, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office dismissed the criminal charges it filed against Father Martins and confirmed the case against him is closed. The court order is available at https://burkegroup.law/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Doc-Jul-30-2025-9-34-AM.pdf
The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, the same entity that charged Father Martins with a crime, withdrew those charges and dismissed the case on its own motion without any finding of any wrongdoing or criminal liability on the part of Fr. Martins.
The allegations stemmed from a misunderstanding during a public event in a crowded church, where Father Martins, while engaging with a group of students and adults, made a humorous comment comparing his baldness to a student’s long hair. The exchange took place in the presence of many witnesses, including clergy, educators, volunteers, and other students. The incident was initially mischaracterized and distorted by multiple news outlets.
Father Martins, who consistently maintained his innocence, temporarily paused his dynamic ministry and Vatican-sponsored nationwide tour as a result of the false allegations and their public distortion. The tour featured the major relics of Saint Jude.
“I am deeply grateful to all who offered their prayers and support during this time,” said Father Martins. “I am thankful for the truth coming to light and look forward to resuming my ministry and continuing to preach the Gospel.”
“This is exactly the result we were expecting. What he was charged with was simply absurd. This was a case that never should have been brought forward. The court’s ruling is a full vindication of Fr. Martins’ innocence from the beginning of any and all criminal wrongdoing,” said defense attorney Marcella Burke, Chairman of Burke Law Group.
“Since the beginning, we have maintained that Fr. Martins has been completely innocent of all wrongdoing. His character and vocation were wrongly called into question. We’re grateful the justice system corrected this mistake,” said defense attorney Patrick Kenneally of Burke Law Group.
