Palm Beach Diocese says Boynton Beach priest engaged in sexual misconduct, abuse of power

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — The Diocese of Palm Beach says an investigation substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of power, and fraud against a Boynton Beach priest.

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez announced the findings in a letter Saturday involving the Rev. Alex J. Vargas, who previously served as pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Boynton Beach.

The diocese said it was notified June 17 of “serious allegations” involving Vargas, according to previous reports. The matter was reported to civil authorities and law enforcement, and Renaissance Associates, Ltd., was hired to conduct an independent investigation.

Because there was no credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, the findings were presented to the diocese’s Adult Allegation Board for review.

The board determined there was insufficient…

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THE TUTUKA POWER STATION PROCUREMENT FRAUD (ESKOM)

Date: August 29, 2025 Perpetrator: Jessie Phindile Kubheka (Supplier Director)

Case Description: As part of the ongoing “cleaning up” of Eskom, Jessie Phindile Kubheka was sentenced to 12 years (with 5 years suspended) for defrauding the Tutuka Power Station. The case involved a sophisticated procurement syndicate that exploited Eskom’s emergency repair protocols. Kubheka’s company was contracted to deliver three high-specification containers for the power station. Only one container was ever delivered, and even that single unit failed to meet the required safety and technical specifications.

Despite the lack of delivery, Kubheka issued grossly inflated invoices, defrauding the utility of approximately R2.6 million. The Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court ordered Kubheka to repay the full amount. This case is significant because it marks a shift in Eskom’s strategy toward “naming and shaming” suppliers and pursuing full asset recovery. It serves as a stark warning to contractors that the 2026 climate of “Zero Tolerance” for state-owned enterprise (SOE) fraud is backed by active judicial enforcement.

Link to Original: Eskom Official – Tutuka Fraud Sentencing