Catholic school official arrested on child sex charges

By Katrease Stafford
Detroit Free Press
November 26, 2014

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2014/11/26/catholic-school-official-arrested-child-sex-charges/19534283/

Joseph Peter Sturza, 47, of Macomb Township

The admissions director at a Catholic preparatory high school in Macomb County was arrested today on charges of child sexual abuse, authorities said.

Joseph Peter Sturza, 47, of Macomb Township, was arraigned this morning on several felony charges that were authorized after parents of a student at the Austin Catholic Academy in Ray Township intercepted emails sent by Sturza to their child, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The sheriff's office said the emails were sexually graphic and indicative of child sexual-abuse.

After finding the emails, the student's parents alerted the school and the Archdiocese of Detroit, which called in the sheriff's department. The investigation was launched Nov. 19 and an arrest warrant was authorized Tuesday by the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

At 7 a.m. this morning, detectives served the arrest warrant and searched Sturza's home.

He was charged with child sexual abuse activity, which carries a 20-year felony; computer communicating with another to commit crime, which carries a 15-year-sentence; children accosting for immoral purposes, a 4 year sentence; computer communicating with another to commit crime, a 4-year sentence.

"Generations of parents and students have placed their trust and safety in the hands of this rogue parish administrator," Prosecutor Eric Smith said in a statement. "These abhorrent allegations shock the conscience of all citizens, regardless of faith, and serve to remind us all to remain vigilant for our children, no matter the circumstances."

According to academy principal Janel Coppens, Sturza had been employed at the school since October 2012.

"We feel that our staff should spend this important time with their families despite this difficult situation," Coppens said. "Parents were notified earlier today in an e-mail and we have remained in contact with our families needing support. I am not making additional comments at this time. My full attention at this time is to my students, their families, and my own family and ensuring that they have the support they need."

According to the e-mail sent to parents this morning, Sturza was a youth minister at the St. Isidore Parish in Macomb Township. Sturza is no longer employed by the school or parish, according to the email.

Sturza was arraigned via video in the 42^nd District Court of Romeo this morning and was given a $50,000 cash-or-surety bond. He remains in the Macomb County Jail.

Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the Archdiocese of Detroit has cooperated with the investigation.

"As soon as the Archdiocese became aware of the allegations, they immediately took steps to remove the man from his position and they secured evidence," he said.

Sturza's next court date is set for 9 a.m. on Dec. 9.

Anyone with additional information is being asked to call the sheriff's enforcement team at 586-493-4861.