LAS CRUCES, NM — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces has removed Father Christopher Williams from all ministerial duties and suspended him as pastor of the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla, New Mexico, following his alleged involvement in a major records theft, according to a letter issued to parishioners.

In the letter dated May 8, Bishop Peter Baldacchino informed church members that the Diocese is limited in what it can disclose due to ongoing civil and canonical investigations.

However, he confirmed that the situation stems from a September 2025 incident in which more than 60,000 private diocesan records were stolen.

Church officials reported the breach to civil authorities at the time and launched an internal investigation. According to the Diocese, further findings emerged during a civil effort to recover the stolen records, revealing alleged involvement by Father Williams and certain employees connected to the Basilica.

The letter states that the theft reportedly took place at the residence of a leader associated with a group referred to as the “Voice of the Laity.”

Testimony cited by the Diocese claims that Father Williams directed individuals to obtain diocesan financial records and that the stolen data was downloaded onto a storage device supplied by the group’s leader before being turned over to him.

Diocesan officials say these actions exposed the Diocese and its parishes to significant risks, including potential financial misappropriation.

The letter also alleges that Father Williams was aware of the theft but did not report it to church leadership or law enforcement.

Following notification of these developments, the diocesan Finance Council recommended Father Williams’ immediate removal from his role. The Diocese has since referred the matter to law enforcement and initiated its own canonical proceedings. Officials noted that the involvement of additional individuals remains under investigation.

Bishop Baldacchino acknowledged the distress the news may cause parishioners, expressing disappointment and emphasizing the Diocese’s responsibility to act as “diligent stewards.”

In the interim, Father Michael Williams—brother of Father Christopher Williams—has stepped in to serve the parish community.

Testimony cited by the Diocese claims that Father Williams directed individuals to obtain diocesan financial records and that the stolen data was downloaded onto a storage device supplied by the group’s leader before being turned over to him.

Diocesan officials say these actions exposed the Diocese and its parishes to significant risks, including potential financial misappropriation.

The letter also alleges that Father Williams was aware of the theft but did not report it to church leadership or law enforcement.

Following notification of these developments, the diocesan Finance Council recommended Father Williams’ immediate removal from his role. The Diocese has since referred the matter to law enforcement and initiated its own canonical proceedings. Officials noted that the involvement of additional individuals remains under investigation.

Bishop Baldacchino acknowledged the distress the news may cause parishioners, expressing disappointment and emphasizing the Diocese’s responsibility to act as “diligent stewards.”

In the interim, Father Michael Williams—brother of Father Christopher Williams—has stepped in to serve the parish community.

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