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	Pastor Arrested: This Is No Time for Complacency SNAP April 18, 2009 http://www.snapnetwork.org/snap_statements/2009_statements/041709_pastor_arrested_this_is_no_time_for_complacency.htm Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell) We're saddened every time we hear of another accused predator priest. At the same time, we are grateful every time a survivor finds the strength to report these horrific crimes. Even though this cleric has been arrested, this is no time for complacency. Typically, pedophile priests hire expensive lawyers and fight hard to exploit every legal loophole they can find. So it's crucial that anyone with information about these crimes contacts police immediately. When victims and witnesses come forward, predators are convicted. But when victims and witnesses stay silent, predators often walk free to molest again. (SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around since 1988 and have more than 9,000 members across the country. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org) Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003) http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12165461 Police arrest Salinas pastor The Monterey County Herald - Posted: 04/17/2009 12:09:31 PM PDT Salinas detectives arrested the Rev. Antonio Cortez, pastor at St. Mary of The Nativity Catholic Church, Thursday afternoon on suspicion of unlawful sexual behavior with a male juvenile and providing alcohol to a minor. The 41-year-old priest was taken into custody without incident, police said today. Detectives had a search warrant for the priest's living quarters. He was taken to county jail with bail set at $750,000. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call detectives Lalo Villegas at 758-7348 or Luis Bravo at 758-7124, or the anonymous tip line at 775-4222 or WE TIP at 1-800-78-CRIME. Police said the Diocese of Monterey was cooperating with the investigation.
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