GILBERT (AZ)
KPHO
GILBERT, Ariz. A judge has refused to throw out a series of sex charges against the former pastor of a catholic church in Mesa.
Attorneys for Monsignor Dale Fushek (FYOO'-shek) had argued that his conversations about sex with a series of victims were during confessions and protected by the First Amendment's right of free speech.
But San Tan Justice of the Peace Sam Goodman rejected that argument. That leaves Fushek facing five counts of contributing to delinquency of a minor, two counts of indecent exposure and three counts of assault.
Fushek's trial on the misdemeanors is scheduled for June second.
Posted by kshaw at April 17, 2006 07:16 AM