Priest in Jail on Child Sex Abuse Charges

By Danielle Krout
We Are Central PA
September 26, 2014

http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/priest-in-jail-on-child-sex-abuse-charges/32854/roIvy_z1ZUmscf2jUj5dOQ

[with video]

Rev. Joseph Maurizio was arrested by Homeland Security Thursday his attorney said his client is innocent.

"Yes, he denying the allegations that are made against him,” said Steven Passarello, Defense Attorney. “He absolutely is denying those allegations against him."

The 69-year old priest, who spent several years at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Central City, was charged with sexually abusing young boys in Honduras while on mission trips. Federal Agents raided theSomerset County church on September 12, 2014. Computers, videos, thumb drives and other electronic items were seized.

"He's been charged with child sex tourism and child pornography crimes,” said Khaalid Walls, Northeast Regional Communications Director/Spokesman, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “The allegations that we uncovered in our investigation stem from approximately 1999-2000."

Passarello said there similar allegations made against Maurizio in the past.

“These similar allegations were raised 5 years ago and deemed not creditable,” said Passarello. “We put them to rest back in 2009 and we intend on putting them to bed so we can end this nightmare for Father Joe in 2014.'

Officials said the investigation is on going anyone who has information or believes they had inappropriate conduct with the priest is asked to call the 24-hour HIS tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE.