Priest on leave as feds probe Pennsylvania church

Albany Times Union
September 17, 2014

http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Priest-on-leave-as-feds-probe-Pennsylvania-church-5761314.php

CENTRAL CITY, Pa. (AP) — A parish priest has been placed on leave after federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials searched the rectory of a central Pennsylvania church and a private residence where he's listed as having a phone number.

ICE officials and U.S. Attorney David Hickton of Pittsburgh aren't commenting on the searches conducted Friday at Our Lady Queen of Angels' rectory in Central City, Somerset County, and the residence listed to the Rev. Joseph Maurizio.

A woman who answered the phone at the private residence Wednesday would not identify herself, but said the priest had no comment.

Hickton and ICE officials have confirmed an ongoing investigation, but won't say what it entails. Among other things, ICE officials have jurisdiction over crimes involving international travel.

Bishop Mark Bartchak of the Altoona-Johnstown diocese announced Maurizio was placed on leave Tuesday.