Warrant Issued for Fugitive Hamilton Priest

Hamilton Spectator
July 10, 2012

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/758396--warrant-issued-for-fugitive-hamilton-priest

A former Hamilton priest facing a sex charge has become a fugitive.

According to court documents a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Rev. Jose Silva.

Rev. Jose Silva, 34, a popular former parish priest at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, is facing a sexual assault charge in connection with a Sept. 18, 2011 incident. An 18-year-old musician told police he had been assaulted in the priest’s residence during a festival that day.

The Diocese of Hamilton announced Silva’s resignation in October. A statement issued by the church said Silva “has further indicated that he no longer wishes to remain in pastoral ministry in this country” and wanted to return to his native Brazil.

A warrant for Silva’s arrest was issued after he failed to make a regularly scheduled court appearance on May 9.

Silva was released on $3,500 bail on Sept. 23, 2011.

More to come shortly.

Contact: kpeters@thespec.com

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