Simsbury Priest Charged with Sex Assault, by Bob Connors, NBC Connecticut, August 11, 2011

Simsbury Priest Charged with Sex Assault

By Bob Connors
NBC Connecticut
August 11, 2011

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Priest-Charged-with-Sex-Assault-127549653.html

A Simsbury priest has been arrested and charged with sexual assault.

Rev. Edward Warnakulasuriya, a priest at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in the Tariffville section of Simsbury, was taken into custody Thursday.

Warnakulasuriya faces three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, according to police. They did not release details on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crimes.

Warnakulasuriya was appointed Administrator of St. Bernard's in Aug. 2010 by Hartford Archbishop, Most Rev. Henry Mansell, according to the church's web site.

Neighbors of the church were very surprised to hear that the leader of the parish was arrested by Simsbury Police.

"It comes as a surprise and shock and it's concerning as a parent in the community," neighbor Scott Glazier said.

A number of parishioners told NBC Connecticut that Father Ed, as he's known by, has been gone from the church for at least two weeks. They were told the alleged crimes did not involve a member of the church.

Simbury Deputy First Selectman once attended St. Bernard's. His parents still attend church there.

"Obviously as town officials when allegations occur like this we pay attention and we're obviously very concerned," Dep. First Selectman John Hampton said.

The Archdiocese released a statement Thursday evening.

"In light of the police investigation and charges, the Archdiocese of Hartford has placed Fr. Edward Warnakulasuriya on administrative leave, which means he cannot perform his duties as a priest, namely the administration of the Sacraments. We will cooperate fully with the investigation."

Warnakulasuriya was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in Enfield Superior Court Friday.