Sinton Priest Acquitted of Assault Accusation

By Krista M. Torralva
The Caller-Times
June 19, 2014

http://www.caller.com/news/local-news/crime/sinton-priest-acquitted-of-assault-accusation_99414211

SINTON - A Sinton priest accused last year of assaulting an altar boy was acquitted by a San Patricio County jury.

Rev. Patrick Serna was accused of jabbing a 13-year-old alter boy in the back in February 2013 at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Sinton, prosecutor Frank Errico said. The charge was simple assault, a Class C misdemeanor.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi had launched an investigation after the accusation and found Serna innocent.

“The not guilty verdict handed down Wednesday in San Patricio County court regarding allegations of assault by the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Sinton, affirms his innocence and upholds the investigative findings of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Prayers are requested for all concerned as well as the restoration of the good name of the priest involved,” the Diocese said in an emailed statement.

Bishop Michael Mulvey assigned Serna to a six-year term at the Sinton parish in August 2012, according to a South Texas Catholic news website.

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