In 2007 Pontikes sought counsel from Msgr. Frank Rossi, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, during a difficult period in her life. She alleges that the priest began pressuring her and her family for millions in donations, and that in 2012, he initiated a sexual relationship with her, while they were meeting for spiritual direction.
She alleges that they began a sexually intimate relationship that continued for more than a year. The archdiocese has challenged Pontikes' account of that relationship.
Pontikes also alleges that the priest attempted to absolve her sacramentally of sexual sins she confessed to committing with him, which is a serious canonical offense that can lead to excommunication.
The archdiocese told the AP that Rossi did not hear Pontikes' confession during or after their physical relationship, though it is unclear how the archdiocese could confirm that, since priests are forbidden from identifying penitents. According to the AP, that allegation is now subject to a "Vatican" review. Allegations of attempting to absolve sexual accomplices are handled by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.
Pontikes told the AP that she discontinued the relationship with Rossi, and reported it to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in April 2016. The archdiocese told the AP it urged her to report the matter to police, though she resisted doing so. The allegations were reported to the police in 2018, and are now subject to a criminal investigation.
Rossi resigned from his parish in May 2016, announcing that he was facing "very difficult personal issues."