Long Beach Priest Accused of Sexual Assault Scheduled for Tuesday Preliminary Hearing

KABC
August 7, 2012

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8765109

Jose Luis Cuevas appeared in court July 25. (KABC Photo)

A Long Beach Catholic priest accused of inappropriate behavior with three church members was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

Father Luis Jose Cuevas was arrested in July after two women filed a police report accusing the 67-year-old of sexual battery. A 17-year-old female then came forward claiming she also was inappropriately touched by Cuevas.

The district attorney filed eight misdemeanor charges in July against Cuevas and one felony count involving lewd acts with a child.

Through his attorney, Father Jose Luis Cuevas entered a plea of not guilty July 25 in a Long Beach courtroom overflowing with supporters of Cuevas.

Cuevas worked at St. Athanasius Catholic Church at 5390 Linden Avenue in Long Beach. He is no longer employed there.

Cuevas served at the Long Beach parish for the past seven years, according to police. He resided on church grounds during his time there.