Greek Orthodox Priest Placed on Leave After Solicitation Arrest in Ohio
Fr. Dean Dimon charged in statewide human trafficking sting, removed from duties pending legal proceedings.
CLEVELAND — The Rev. Dean Dimon, priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with soliciting prostitution during a statewide anti-human trafficking operation.
As reported by local Fox 8 News and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Dimon, 76, of Avon, was arrested last week by Lorain County sheriff’s deputies as part of “Operation Next Door,” which resulted in 135 arrests across Ohio. He faces a third-degree misdemeanor charge and has pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on October 29.
On Monday, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Chancellor Fr. George Callos confirmed Dimon’s removal from all pastoral and ministerial duties, calling the allegations “deeply disappointing” and “abhorrent.”
“These alleged acts are abhorrent and stand in direct contradiction to the moral and spiritual standards we uphold as a Church and which we expect from our clergy,” Callos stated.
Attorney General Dave Yost said the operation targeted individuals attempting to buy sex, including from minors, and was designed to highlight that human trafficking happens "next door," in plain sight.
Dimon posted $500 bond following his arrest. He has also been removed from his church’s website.
“That is a person that we’re supposed to go to to seek comfort, to seek guidance and to seek assistance,” Lorain County Sheriff Jack Hall said to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “That trust was violated by that individual last week when he decided that he was going to solicit individuals for sex.”
On Facebook, the parish announced that a general assembly will be held following the Divine Liturgy this Sunday with participation from representatives of the Metropolis.
Previously, UOJ reported that Fr. Christos Christakis of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church had been fired following an investigation by the parish into his alleged misuse of church funds for personal use.
