Judge delays decision on new child-sex trial for priest

Lebanon Daily Record
February 2, 2016

http://www.lebanondailyrecord.com/article_ee4f44b5-8f9c-5dee-b305-8df32e193032.html

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A federal judge has heard arguments that prosecutors may have wrongly withheld evidence against a Pennsylvania priest convicted of sexually abusing children in Honduras.

The 70-year-old priest, Joseph Maurizio, was convicted in September of molesting two boys during missionary trips.

Tuesday's hearing concerned a statement given by a boy who, at one point, told investigators he wasn't "abused." Federal prosecutors say the boy's meaning was lost in translation and he later clarified that the priest fondled him.

But the priest's lawyer says their client could have used the boy's statement to create doubt among jurors. They say he deserves a new trial.

U.S. District Judge Kim Gibson didn't make an immediate decision or say when he might issue a ruling.