MISSISSIPPI
SunHerald
BY ROBIN FITZGERALD
rfitzgerald@sunherald.comSeptember 10, 2015
Rev. Jose Vazquez, a priest in Wiggins, has been arrested in Jones County on a sexual battery charge involving a 12-year-old boy.
The Jones County Sheriff’s Office reported his arrest in a press release, saying Vazquez was at a family’s home in west Jones County on Wednesday when the boy’s father called to report inappropriate behavior between Vazquez and his son.
Vazquez, 36, is the pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Wiggins and at St. Lucy Mission in Lucedale.
Vazquez was still at the boy’s home when deputies arrived, and deputies interviewed the boy.
During Vazquez’ interview, he confessed to several sex acts with the boy, including the act in Jones County and incidents in other jurisdictions, the press release said.
Vazquez was deemed a flight risk at his initial court appearance Thursday and the judge imposed a $100,000 bond. …
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.
“We wish to make it absolutely clear that the Diocese of Biloxi makes every effort to protect and to provide a safe environment for the children and young people entrusted to our care.”
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