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	Hamilton Priest Arrested for Sexual Assault Hamilton Spectator September 23, 2011 http://www.thespec.com/news/crime/article/599050--hamilton-priest-arrested-for-sexual-assault A Hamilton Catholic priest has been charged with sexual assault. Father Jose Silva, 34, parish priest for St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Park Street North, was arrested by Hamilton police Thursday afternoon. Silva, who appeared in Hamilton court for a bail hearing Friday morning, is charged with sexual assault following a complaint about an incident during a festival held in the church courtyard Sunday, Sept. 18. Sergeant Terri-Lynn Collings said the investigation and arrest followed a complaint by an 18-year-old youth who had been playing in a band booked at a festival in the church courtyard. At about 6:30 p.m., while the band was on a break, Collings said a priest approached the man and struck up a conversation about him playing guitar. The young man was invited to the priest’s residence, a home on the parish property, to see a guitar. “Out of respect, the man went with the priest,” Collings said. “While he was with the priest it is alleged he was sexually assaulted.” Collings said the young man was able to leave the home unharmed and immediately called police. Following investigation, Silva was arrested while on duty, but away from the church. Collings said Hamilton police are not aware of any other complaints, but the incident is still under investigation.
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