Davis priest arrested on statutory rape charge

By Michelle Schultz
KCRA
May 10, 2014

http://www.kcra.com/news/davis-priest-arrested-on-statutory-rape-charge/25916970

A Davis priest is charged with statutory rape and oral copulation with a minor, police said Saturday.

Father Hector Coria was arrested Friday after the Davis Police Department served search warrants at several locations, officers said. Coria is now held at the Yolo County Jail.

Police started investigating the sexual abuse allegations earlier this month. The alleged victim is a 17-year-old girl, officers said.

Officials determined Coria, 45, befriended the girl as he served as a priest at the Catholic church.

In late 2013, he started a sexual relationship with the alleged victim, and had several sexual encounters with her, police said.

No further details were released.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Davis police at 530-747-5400.

The following statement was released by Kevin Eckery, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, regarding Coria's charges.

“Fr. Hector Coria, a priest at St. James Parish in Davis, has been arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor by the City of Davis Police Department.

“In keeping with diocesan policy, Fr. Coria has been placed on administrative leave, his faculties have been withdrawn and he may no longer publicly function as a priest while this matter is under investigation by local law enforcement and Davis Police."

The statement reiterates that anyone with additional information should call police -- especially anyone who may have been a victim of Coria.