Abuses in a kindergarten in Carlos Paz: set date for expertise to the accused priest

The investigation into alleged sexual abuse at a daycare center in Villa Carlos Paz has taken a significant step forward with the scheduling of forensic psychological and psychiatric evaluations for the accused priest, Alejandro Nicola. The decree was issued on June 19 by Tribunal II of Villa Carlos Paz, setting the evaluation date for July 31, 2026, at noon, to be conducted in person at the underground level of the judicial building. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the safety and mental state of Nicola, who faces multiple allegations of abuse involving children under his care.

The evaluation will involve both a forensic psychiatrist and a forensic psychologist, who will assess Nicola’s mental faculties, whether he suffers from any pathological alterations, his understanding of the criminal nature of the acts investigated between 2025 and 2026, and whether he poses a serious, certain, and imminent risk to himself or others. Additionally, a separate psychological assessment will determine his current cognitive and emotional state, intellectual level, personality structure, sexual characteristics, and potential indicators of concealment, fabrication, or impulsive tendencies related to the case.

This development follows seven formal complaints filed against Nicola. Five of these were made by children from the four-year-old class at the daycare. The fifth complaint, considered the most relevant from a procedural standpoint, came from the family of a boy who disclosed the incidents spontaneously while staying at his grandmother's house. His detailed account specifically identified Nicola as the perpetrator and mentioned that another girl from his class was also present during the episodes. Unlike previous reports, which emerged through therapeutic processes and contained more vague references, this one directly named Nicola from the outset.

Two additional complaints have been added recently, bringing the total to seven. The sixth was submitted by the director of the primary school associated with the daycare, while the seventh was filed by the daycare director regarding an incident from 2025. These new complaints are currently under analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

With seven complaints now in the file, prosecutors plan to summon approximately twenty parents for questioning in the coming weeks. Nicola has already appeared before the court with legal representation provided by the Martinez Paz law firm. In addition to the scheduled evaluations, the judiciary has imposed a restraining order preventing Nicola from approaching within 100 meters of one of the complainant girls or communicating with her in any way. He is also prohibited from leaving the country, a condition ensured by his legal team to keep him within national borders.

On the institutional front, the Archdiocese of Cordoba has placed Nicola on administrative leave from his role as parish priest and appointed Father Pablo Nassif as interim administrator of the Niño Dios Parish. Furthermore, the archdiocese has designated Guillermo Buitrago as its new legal representative following the resignation of Luciano Freytes Varela.

The prosecution led by Dr. Jorgelina Gómez faces internal challenges, as she is currently handling two fiscal jurisdictions—numbers 2 and 3—because her colleague, Ricardo Mazzuchi, is on medical leave for 90 days.

The judicial investigation began in May 2025 when the mother of a child from the educational institution reported concerns about her daughter's well-being. As the investigation unfolds, it continues to reveal complex layers of evidence and testimonies that could significantly impact the outcome of the case.

Meanwhile, the case of Agostina Vega, whose murder remains shrouded in mystery, continues to draw public attention. One month after her disappearance on May 23, questions surrounding the motive behind her killing remain unanswered. Legal representatives from both sides—the victim’s father, Gabriel Vega, and her maternal grandparents, Miguel and Elizabeth Heredia—have expressed differing views on the circumstances leading to the crime.

Fernanda Alaniz, representing the father, suggests that a network linked to drug trafficking and prostitution might be responsible for the murder. Conversely, Carlos Nayi, representing the grandparents, believes that Claudio Barrelier, Agostina’s ex-boyfriend, committed the crime to cover up an instance of sexual abuse. Despite their differences, both lawyers support the actions of prosecutor Raúl Garzón, who has detained three individuals in connection with the case: Barrelier, accused of sexual abuse and aggravated homicide; Soledad Andreani, who transported Agostina’s body in a black Ford Ka; and Osvaldo Fassetta, a friend who lived temporarily in the house where the crime may have occurred. All three were questioned last week but denied the charges and did not answer further questions.

A common link among the three detainees is the Wachitas bar, located in Nueva Córdoba, a key area for nightlife in the city. The bar had changed ownership several times and faced temporary closures until it was permanently shut down earlier this month. Media reports showed images of beds inside the establishment, and a woman testified that she worked there between 2020 and 2024, stating that sexual services were offered, drugs were sold, and minors were present. Andreani was described as a "producer" at the bar, while Barrelier and Fassetta were regular patrons.

Questions linger about whether municipal inspectors were aware of the activities taking place at the bar or chose to ignore them. Whether the bar received political protection is a matter that prosecutor Garzón will investigate, though he has referred aspects of the case to provincial prosecutors specializing in drug trafficking and crimes against sexual integrity. To date, no federal prosecutors have acted independently, although such action could follow based on the descriptions provided by witnesses.

The investigation into Agostina Vega's death is still unfolding, with many uncertainties remaining about the motives behind the crime. As the judicial process continues, the case is likely to attract further scrutiny and potentially lead to more revelations in the months ahead.