Molestation Charges against Raleigh Priest Dropped More Than 2 Years Later

News & Observer
July 20, 2012

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/19/2208370/molestation-charges-against-raleigh.html

RALEIGH -- More than two years after filing charges, authorities have dropped the child molestation case against Catholic priest Edgar Sepulveda.

Sepulveda's suspension from his duties remains in place pending the completion of a Catholic Diocese of Raleigh investigation, in accordance with its procedures and those of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Sepulveda was initially arrested in January 2010 on one count of second degree sexual offense and one count of misdemeanor sexual battery in Brunswick County, S.C., where he was visiting church members in May 2009. Sepulveda, then a resident of Beulaville and pastor of Maria Reina de las Americas Parish in Mount Olive, was first investigated when allegations surfaced in September, according to a news release posted on the diocese website.

According to a press release from the law firm representing Sepulveda, there was an outpouring of support from Sepulveda's parish and community.

"More than two a half years is an outrageously long period of time to wait for a case to be brought to trial," said Steve Monks, an attorney representing Sepulveda. "Once attorneys from the District Attorney's office personally interviewed the boy in question all charges were dismissed."