Priest Accused of Molestation out on Bail, Greeted with Cheers

News 10
January 10, 2012

http://www.news10.net/news/article/172217/2/Priest-accused-of-molestation-out-on-bail-greeted-with-cheers

[with video]

Dozens of people gathered outside the Sacramento County Jail late Monday, some waiting nearly seven hours, for the release of a Sacramento diocese priest.

Around 10 p.m., Father Uriel Ojeda, 32, was released from jail after posting bail. He has been in custody since Nov. 30 when he surrendered to police.

Sacramento Catholic Diocese spokesman Kevin Eckery said Ojeda admitted to two church officials that he molested a 13-year-old girl.

"We need to keep in mind there's a victim here," Eckery said in a statement. "She is not charismatic and well-known like Father Ojeda."

Many church members stand firm that Ojeda is innocent.

Crowd waits outside Sacramento County Jail to welcome Father Uriel Ojeda when he posts bail

"We don't know have enough info yet as to what happened, but we're standing by him because he stood by us when we needed him," said Javier Sepulved, a member of Ojeda's church.

"We believe in him. We're very happy to be here. It doesn't matter how long it takes," supporter Alfredo Jergui said. "We'll be here until midnight. We're here to support him."

Upon his release, Ojeda was escorted to a nearby bail bond office by his attorney. His attorney said they were relieved about the Ojeda's release from jail. They felt the $5 million bail was too high and that the reduced bail of $700,000 was still excessive.

As a condition of his release, Ojeda must wear an electronic monitor and stay in Sacramento County.

Ojeda served in a Redding parish at the time of his arrest and prior to that, in Woodland from 2007-09.

Eckery said Ojeda would not be reinstated.

Ojeda and his attorney did not comment Monday night on the charges. The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office did not comment either.

Ojeda has not entered a plea.