Deputies said they were near St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, North Carolina about 1 a.m., searching for a missing child when they encountered Father Clemente OIvera Guerrero, 47, under suspicious circumstances.
Olvera of Smithfield allegedly tried to run. But, when he was caught, deputies determined he was allegedly soliciting sex from a man.
St. Ann Catholic Church released a statement saying that while police investigate the alleged crime, Olvera's priestly faculties in the Diocese of Raleigh have been revoked.
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"While Fr. Clemente deserves a full presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, his priestly faculties in the Diocese of Raleigh have been revoked and he will be returned to his religious order while this matter is further investigated by legal and canonical authorities," the church said.
Deputies said the missing child they were initially searching for was not connected to Olvera's arrest.
Olvera was charged with felony solicit prostitution.
According to the Diocese of Raleigh, Olvera was appointed Parochial Vicar at St. Ann on July 11, 2023, after serving at a parish in Mexico.
Olvera was released from the Johnston County Detention Center on a $2,500 secured bond.