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  Ex-Priest Charged with Sex Assault Returned to New Jersey

Newsday [Camden NJ]
May 6, 2003

CAMDEN, N.J. -- A former Roman Catholic priest alleged to have sexually assaulted a Pennsauken boy has been returned to New Jersey from Florida, where he had been living.

James Hopkins, 60, arrived at the Camden County Jail on Monday. He had been held in a jail in Martin County, Fla., since he was arrested there April 14.

Hopkins did not fight his extradition to New Jersey, where he is being held on $75,000 bail.

Hopkins was charged last month with aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Authorities say he abused a boy, then 10, in 1995.

Hopkins was removed from the priesthood after allegations were made that he abused another boy in 1995. The alleged victim in the current charges is that boy's brother, who is now 18.

The Camden Diocese settled a lawsuit in 1999 over abuse allegations against Hopkins.

No court appearance has been scheduled.

 
 

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