A priest was arrested in the province of Cosenza after the Reggio Calabria investigating court issued an arrest warrant on serious suspicion of sexual assault of a minor. The acts are said to have taken place between 2015 and 2016 and continued into 2020 - after the victim reached the age of majority.
The Carabinieri's extensive investigation, which was coordinated by the Reggio Calabria public prosecutor's office, was based on witness statements, documents and technical evidence. They paint a harrowing picture of a case of abuse that originated in a parish in Reggio Calabria. The 16-year-old victim, who was actively involved in parish life at the time, was apparently manipulated by the priest.
The clergyman is said to have exploited his authority and the young person's difficult family situation to establish a relationship that was initially flattering but then led to sexual assault. These acts took place in remote locations of the church facility. Particularly perfidious: after the sexual acts, the priest is said to have given the victim a blessing and asked for forgiveness.
Despite his suffering, the boy was barely able to defend himself due to a feeling of subjugation and fear of losing his parish membership. The investigation also revealed that the priest maintained close contact with minors even after his transfer to a parish in Cosenza. He was transferred to a correctional facility. The presumption of innocence applies until a final verdict is reached.
