Child Sex Sting Leads To Arrest Of Church Deacon, Former Teacher

BEL AIR, MD — A Maryland Catholic deacon and former teacher has been stripped of his ministry and charged with two counts of sexual solicitation of a minor.

Wednesday afternoon, Harford County sheriff's deputies arrested Kenneth Goedeke, 45, of Bel Air after he communicated with an undercover detective Goedeke believed was a 15-year-old boy.

Goedeke made plans to meet up with the boy to "engage in sexual activity with the child," according to the sheriff's office, which is when he was arrested.

Thursday, the Archdiocese of Baltimore released a statement identifying Goedeke as a Catholic church deacon at St. Margaret Parish in Bel Air and had just begun employment at St. Ignatius Church in Hickory in July.

The Archdiocese immediately removed Goedeke's faculties to function as a deacon and suspended him from ministry and employment pending the outcome of the investigation. Church officials said in the statement that law enforcement advised them that the charges are not related to anyone at the parishes or schools where Goedeke served.

Goedeke was ordained a permanent deacon in 2023. Before serving at St. Margaret beginning in 2025, he was assigned to St. Patrick in Havre de Grace and St. Joan of Arc in Aberdeen. He also worked at St. Isaac Jogues Church from 2005 through 2012 and was employed at John Carroll High School from 2020 through 2026, the Archdiocese stated.

Goedeke completed an FBI and CJIS fingerprint criminal history check, along with comprehensive background and reference checks, before his employment and before entering the diaconate, the Archdiocese noted.

"I am angry, disgusted and deeply thankful. Angry that someone in a position of trust attempted to victimize a child. Disgusted that any adult would ever consider exploiting a child in such a vile and predatory way. And thankful that our detectives acted decisively, intervening before a child was harmed and ensuring that this predator was stopped before he could carry out his intentions," stated Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler.

Gahler also asked that any victims come forward and reach out to the sheriff's office.

"I am issuing this message with anger and resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the safety of our children. In my 40 years in law enforcement, I have seen the tragic reality that by the time a predator is caught, there are often other victims who have suffered in silence. That reality fuels my anger and strengthens my determination to make sure no victim is ever left unheard," he said.

"I want to speak directly to those victims and their families: You are not alone. Your safety, your dignity and your voice are our priority."

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact the sheriff's office on a dedicated email tip line at cactips@harfordsheriff.org to speak directly with a detective.

Gahler also encouraged parents and caregivers to speak with their children, not just about this particular case, but also about the "broader dangers posed by trusted adults who misuse their positions and by online predators who target our youth."

The Archdiocese also urged anyone with information about suspected child sexual abuse involving clergy or church personnel to contact law enforcement and its Office of Child and Youth Protection at 1-866-417-7469. Additional information related to the case can be reported to the office at 410-547-5348.