Priest Detained on Child Sex Abuse Charges

By Danielle Krout
We Are Central PA
September 29, 2014

http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/priest-detained-on-child-sex-abuse-charges/42075/WdqdelfxGE21NXF75Y-4cQ

[with video]

A federal judge ordered Rev. Joseph Maurizio to stay in the Cambria County Jail.

The 69 year old was in court Monday for a detention hearing after being arrested last week. He was charged by the U.S. Attorney on child pornography and tourism charges.

More than 40 people packed into the Johnstown Federal Courthouse for the hearing, all in support of Maurizio. Many cried as he walked in the courtroom handcuffed escorted by Marshals.

"I thought the two attorneys did a great job the way they are supposed to,” said Father Sean Foley, New Jersey. “I thought the judge was very fair."

Father Foley came from New Jersey to hear testimony. The prosecution said told the judge ‘they’ve only just scratched the surface of this case.” Investigators are currently going through more than 18,000 images seized from a camera during the September raid.

Prosecutors told the judge two images depict child pornography. They also said they think the 69 year old should remain in jail because since the case went public two victims from the area ages, 5 and 7 have come forward alleging abuse. The defense had no comment about the new allegations, but they did focus on the character or the priest.

"Father Joe has devoted his life to missionary work and helping under privilege children,” said Steven Passarello, Defense Attorney. “He is a good man who served in the military."

The prosecution also made the judge aware of charges being filed in Honduras against Maurizio. The judge said the two sides painted a picture of “Father Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,’ making it difficult case. However, because of Maurizio being a flight risk, he ordered him to stay detained.

"The judge’s comments I thought were actually favorable to the defense," said Passarello. “He said the prosecution has to turn in more evidence.”

Foley said he has known Maurizio since 1982.

“I believe these charges are false.”

The prosecution has to turn over additional evidence to the judge by Tuesday.