Source: The National Herald
CLEVELAND – Turmoil has erupted in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Community of Cleveland following the arrest of the parish priest Fr. Dean Dimon for allegedly seeking sexual services for payment.
The 76-year-old priest was arrested by the H.E.A.L. Task Force, as he is alleged to have attempted to approach a prostitute. According to court documents, he has previously been convicted of a similar offense.
His arrest is part of the statewide program Operation Next Door and it was announced September 29. In the course of the operation, 135 individuals were arrested, accused of attempting to purchase sexual services, including from minors.
The Chancellor of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Fr. George S. Callos, confirmed that Dimon was immediately placed on administrative leave, expressing disappointment over the charges he faces.
In a statement he said: “We are deeply disappointed to learn of the arrest of one of our priests in connection with alleged acts of solicitation… 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. Upon hearing of the charges, we immediately placed Father Dimon on administrative leave, removing him from all pastoral and ministerial duties, while the justice system takes its course.”
The case is being tried in Avon Court on the misdemeanor charge of soliciting prostitution. After his arrest, he posted bail and was released. At his first court appearance on September 24, 2025, he pleaded not guilty – the preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 29.
According to the Chronicle Telegram, Operation Next Door was carried out in urban centers, suburbs, and rural areas across Ohio, according to the Attorney General’s office. All seven Human Trafficking Task Forces of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) participated in the operation, joined by federal, state, and local law enforcement, authorities announced.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the arrests which took place the week before on September 29. “Operation Next Door was named to highlight the proximity and prevalence of human trafficking. Too often, we are lulled into the false narrative that these crimes happen only in the shadows. This is simply not true – human trafficking occurs in plain sight and, unfortunately, may even be fueled by your co-workers or neighbors” he stated about the crimes that were investigated.