Jury to continue in sexual tourism trial of suspended priest

Washington Times
September 22, 2015

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/22/jury-to-continue-in-sexual-tourism-trial-of-suspen/

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) - Jurors were expected to resume deliberations in the trial of a suspended Roman Catholic priest from western Pennsylvania accused of traveling to Honduras to molest poor street children during missionary trips.

The jury heard closing arguments Monday in a federal courtroom in Johnstown, then deliberated for several hours without reaching a verdict in the trial of the Rev. Joseph Maurizio Jr.

The 70-year-old priest has been suspended from Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish in Somerset County. He’s charged with traveling abroad from 2004 to 2009 to have sex with three young boys - a charge known as sexual tourism - and illegally transferring $8,000 to a charity to help fund the trips.

The priest has repeatedly denied the allegations through his defense attorney, who has suggested the alleged victims were coerced into accusing the cleric.