OHIO
Fox 28
BY JAMES JACKSON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31ST 2016
COLUMBUS — Shock and sadness. That’s the reaction from a Columbus seminary community tonight, after a man, studying to become a priest is accused of trying to adopt a baby, in Mexico, for sex.
Right now, Joel Wright is in federal custody, in Southern California. Wright was a student at the Pontifical College Josephinum, in North Columbus. Homeland security investigators say he placed ads on Craigslist looking to travel to Tijuana to adopt. They arrested him yesterday in San Diego, as they say he made his way to Mexico.
School leaders found out about the alleged incident yesterday. They say they have a no tolerance policy for it and will do what they can to help investigators piece together what happened.
It’s rich traditions are steeped in protecting everyone, especially children, according to the Pontifical College Josephinum’s Reverend John Allen. “Preserving a climate of perfect transparency where the flourishing of each person can be assured,” Reverend Allen said.
But, that climate of faith was interrupted, when authorities arrested the former student. According to a federal complaint: Wright traveled to Tijuana, Mexico in July 2014, but the person who was supposed to help him with the adoption process backed out. Homeland security got involved. In the complaint, wright stated in an email dated January 14, “I want to adopt/own a baby girl under the age of 3 and I want to have intercourse with her after I own her but don’t be telling people that.”
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