By Tammy Fonce-Olivas
El Paso Times
September 13, 2007
http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_6883412
A Catholic priest is facing sexual assault charges, jail records show.
Philip Taban, 39, of the 12000 block of Picasso, was arrested by police on Wednesday on two counts of sexual assault. He is currently in the El Paso County jail on bonds totaling $50,000.
Taban was serving as a visiting priest at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church, at 12200 Vista Del Sol. The church is also known as Mother Cabrini.
El Paso Police spokesman Officer Chris Mears said police received information suggesting a priest sexually assaulted a local parishioner.
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| Philip Taban, 39. (El Paso Police Department) |
"Through their ongoing investigation, detectives identified the victim and Philip Taban as the suspected priest," Mears said. "The investigation revealed an 18-year-old Hispanic female met with Taban for spiritual counseling. During two of these meetings, Taban sexually assaulted the victim."
The victim's name was not released. The investigation is continuing.
The Rev. John Stowe, moderator of the Curia/vicar general for the Catholic Diocese of El Paso said Taban is from Arua Uganda in Africa and was working with the diocese this summer.
"All I can say is it's under investigation by the district attorney's office and we are cooperating with their investigation," Stowe said.
Tammy Fonce-0livas may be reached at tfonce@elpasotimes.com; 546-6362.
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