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	Deltona Priest Removed after Sex Allegation The Pastor, Who Also Has Served in Apopka and Orlando, Has Not Been Charged By Kristen Reed Orlando Sentinel [Deltona FL] January 13, 2007 http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-priest1307jan13,0,598111.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia A Deltona priest was removed from his post late last year because of sex-abuse allegations that prosecutors are now investigating. Volusia County sheriff's investigators filed the complaint, which alleges that the Rev. Carlos Bedoya participated in sexual battery against a man, 35, invited to lunch at the priest's house. The pastor of St. Clare Catholic Church in Deltona has not been arrested or charged, and prosecutors are reviewing the allegations to determine whether to charge him, officials said. The man, whose name was withheld because of the sexual nature of the allegations, told investigators that on Oct. 4, the priest helped get him drunk and held him down while another man performed a sex act on him, the report states. David Estrada, who the report says was studying to become a priest and performed the act, is being investigated on a charge of sexual battery, officials said. Bedoya was removed in November, and a letter from the bishop to parishioners said Bedoya was on administrative leave to "afford him time to address personal issues that have recently arisen." The chancellor for the Diocese of Orlando confirmed Friday that Bedoya's removal was the result of the investigation. The Very Rev. Gregory Parkes said the accuser told the diocese of the allegations and an internal investigation was launched. Parkes would not say when the man came forward or whether he told diocese officials before going to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The accuser spoke with investigators Oct. 17. "We are cooperating with the authorities to the extent that we can," Parkes said. "We're waiting on the outcome of the investigation. Depending on what the outcome is, the appropriate action would be taken." Parkes said he was not aware of other complaints against the Deltona priest, who has served at the parish since January 2005. Bedoya has been a priest for more than 16 years, serving at churches in Orlando, Melbourne and Apopka. Parishioners reached Friday said they were surprised, but some said they were asked by the church not to comment. Aida Matos said she couldn't believe the allegations. "It really shocks me," said Matos, who described Bedoya and Estrada as nice people. Kristen Reed can be reached at kreed@orlandosentinel.com or 386-851-7924.
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