Brampton priest facing sexual assault charge, Archdiocese of Toronto says

Outside of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church in Brampton. (Google Maps)

A priest has been ousted from the pastoral ministry following an allegation of sexual misconduct, according to the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The ecclesiastical authority said Peel Regional Police charged a St. Jerome’s Catholic Church pastor on Dec. 18 with sexual assault and sexual interference.

The details of the allegations are unclear at this time.

Police confirmed the arrest to CTV News Toronto, but did not provide further information as the matter is ahead of the courts.

The archdiocese identified the priest as Fr. James Cherickal, who has served at several parishes throughout the Greater Toronto Area since 1997, but has been serving St. Jerome’s in Brampton since 2024.

“Following our protocols and procedures relating to allegations of misconduct, Fr. Cherickal has been removed from the pastoral ministry,” the Archdiocese of Toronto said in a release issued on Dec. 20.

“As with any accused in our Canadian legal system, he is considered innocent until proven guilty and entitled to due process.”