By Gary Taylor
Orlando Sentinel
November 22, 2011
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-sex-crackdown-nabs-retired-priest-20111122,0,2562571.story
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| Paige Blakely after his arrest (Holly Hill Police Department, Holly Hill Police Department / November 22, 2011) |
A retired Catholic priest and former pastor was arrested last week during a crackdown on sexual activities inside a restroom at Ross Point Park on Riverside Drive in Holly Hill.
Paige A. Blakely, 61, was one of six men arrested Thursday during the vice crackdown.
He faces a charge of exposure of sexual organs. Blakey is a former pastor of St. Ann's Catholic Church in DeBary.
According to an arrest affidavit, Blakely exposed himself to an undercover officer inside the restroom. He told the officer he was "trying to experience what it was like" and that he was trying to get a "thrill."
He also told the officer he was familiar with the term "cruising," a street term for searching for a sexual partner in a public place.
The New Smyrna Beach man identified himself as a retired attorney in police paperwork.
He has previously worked as a canon lawyer for the Orlando diocese.
The Diocese of Orlando, in a statement, said Blakely notified Bishop John Noonan "that he received a summons from the Holly Hill Police Department for a misdemeanor allegation regarding indecent exposure." Noonan removed Blakely's "faculties" — or authority to function as a priest — pending the outcome of the police investigation, it said.
All of the men were given trespass warnings, prohibiting them from returning to the park. Blakely was not taken to jail but was released without having to post bail. Also facing charges:
David Louis Mecco, 80, of Daytona Beach, exposure of sexual organs.
Bernard Henry Cowart, 52, of Holly Hill, exposure of sexual organs and resisting arrest without violence.
Terry Allen Stamps, 50, of Daytona Beach, unnatural and lascivious acts.
Eric Dreisbach, 50, of Ormond Beach, unnatural and lascivious acts.
Don Allen Cupit, 50, homeless, unnatural and lascivious acts.
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