Ore. Priest Accused of Abuse Is Indicted

Daily News
August 21, 2012

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A Woodburn, Ore., priest accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy has been indicted on eight counts and ordered held without bail.

The Rev. Angel Armando Perez was arrested last week on accusations including sexual abuse, furnishing alcohol to a minor and drunken driving. The boy ran from the parish priest's house during a sleepover, saying he awoke to find the 46-year-old Perez fondling him and apparently taking a cell phone photo. Police say Perez told investigators he was drunk and didn't remember what happened.

Besides the initial counts, the grand jury indictment returned Monday charges Perez with giving the boy alcohol on four separate occasions and accuses the priest of evidence tampering. Marion County Deputy District Attorney Katie Suver said investigators believe Perez deleted a photo from his phone.

Defense lawyer Kendra Matthews told Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles that Perez would adhere to any release conditions. Broyles said there was clear evidence the priest would pose a risk to the victim if he was released pending trial.