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A Catholic Church deacon and former Catholic school teacher in Harford County has been arrested after allegedly soliciting who he believed to be a 15-year-old boy for sex — traveling to a location to carry out the alleged encounter before being intercepted by undercover detectives.
Kenneth Goedeke, 45, of Bel Air, is the St. Margaret Parish Bel Air Maryland Catholic Church Deacon Accused of Sexually Soliciting a Minor in Harford County who was taken into custody by the Harford County Sheriff's Office and charged with two counts of sexual solicitation of a minor. Goedeke was ordained as a deacon in 2023 and served at multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, most recently St. Margaret Church in Bel Air. He also worked as an employee of John Carroll School, a Catholic high school, from 2020 until February 2026.
According to Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler, Goedeke communicated online with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy before allegedly traveling to a predetermined location with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child. Deputies intervened and took him into custody before any contact with a real minor could occur.
"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," Sheriff Gahler said in a statement.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore confirmed Goedeke's role as a deacon, noting he had undergone a thorough employment screening including FBI fingerprint and criminal history checks prior to being hired. The Archdiocese stated the charges are not related to anyone at the parishes or schools where he served.
John Carroll School confirmed Goedeke had not been employed there since February 2026. The Abuse Survivors Coalition, an advocacy group for abuse survivors, publicly questioned why Goedeke was suddenly terminated from John Carroll months before his arrest, and encouraged anyone who may have been victimized by him to contact the Harford County Sheriff's Office tip line at cactips@harfordsheriff.org.
The factual information above was sourced from cbsnews.com/baltimore as of August 7, 2026. The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a member of the clergy is accused of attempting to sexually exploit a minor, survivors and families may have significant civil legal options beyond the criminal process. Legal Herald editor Paul Amess spoke with Maryland sexual abuse attorney Aaron Blank about the civil legal avenues that may be available in cases involving alleged sexual misconduct by a church official or religious institution employee.
Paul Amess: Aaron, when a member of the clergy is accused of attempting to sexually solicit a minor, what civil legal options may be available to families and the broader community?
Aaron Blank: Cases involving alleged sexual solicitation or abuse by a member of the clergy raise serious civil liability questions that extend beyond the individual accused. Religious institutions have a duty to protect the communities they serve — particularly children — from those in positions of spiritual authority. When a clergy member allegedly attempts to exploit that position of trust, questions arise about what the institution knew, what oversight existed, and whether adequate safeguarding protocols were in place. Families and survivors may have civil claims against both the individual and the institution depending on the specific circumstances.
Paul Amess: In cases where advocacy groups are raising questions about why a clergy member was terminated from an affiliated institution months before their arrest, how does that factor into civil liability?
Aaron Blank: Questions about the timing and circumstances of an employee's departure from an institution are highly relevant in civil litigation. If an institution took steps to distance itself from an individual due to concerns about their conduct, that decision can raise important questions about what was known, when it was known, and what actions were or were not taken to protect those who came into contact with that individual. Families should speak with an experienced attorney to understand how those facts may apply to their specific situation.
Paul Amess: What would you say to someone in Maryland who believes they or their child may have had inappropriate contact with a member of the clergy or any religious institution employee?
Aaron Blank: Please speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Time limits apply to civil claims in Maryland, and early legal guidance gives families the clearest picture of their rights and options. An initial consultation is completely confidential and free of charge — no family should have to navigate this process alone.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of sexual solicitation, abuse, or misconduct by a member of the clergy or any person in a position of religious authority in Maryland, you may have the right to pursue civil action and recover financial compensation. Contact The Legal Herald today to be connected with an experienced Maryland sexual abuse attorney for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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