MISSISSIPPI
The Times-Picayune
By Kim Chatelain, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on September 10, 2015 at 3:35 PM, updated September 10, 2015 at 3:36 PM
A Catholic priest in south Mississippi was arrested Wednesday (Aug. 9), accused of sexual battery involving a 12-year-old boy, according to SunHerald.com. Rev. Jose Vazquez, pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Wiggins and at St. Lucy Mission in Lucedale, confessed to several sex acts with the boy and other incidents in different jurisdictions, the website reported, citing a press release from Jones County Sheriff’s Office.
At his initial court appearance Thursday, Vazquez was deemed a flight risk and his bond was set at $100,000, the website reported.
The Catholic Diocese of Biloxi issued a statement, saying it is saddened by the news and regrets “any actions or behavior by clergy or any other personnel who might betray the trust placed in us. Sexual misconduct with a minor on the part of any clergyman is reprehensible and will not be tolerated.
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