Supporters Steadfast As Priest Faces Bail-reduction Hearing in Sacramento

By Cynthia Hubert
Sacramento Bee
January 5, 2012

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/05/4164008/supporters-steadfast-as-priest.html

The Rev. Uriel Ojeda, shown at a hearing in December, is being held in isolation at the downtown jail in lieu of $5 million bail. His lawyer is expected to argue today for a reduction in bail.

A few minutes after noon every Monday through Friday, Sylvia Chavez pulls her red Nissan Sentra into her regular parking spot alongside the thick walls and cyclone fences of the Sacramento County Main Jail.

Stepping out of her car without regard to the weather, she stands along Seventh Street, takes out her rosary and begins to pray.

In a stark cell eight floors above her, the Rev. Uriel Ojeda stands accused of charges that, if proved, could send him to prison and strip the young Catholic priest of his collar and vestments. He has been charged with having sex with a minor, and for the past month has been held in isolation at the downtown jail in lieu of $5 million bail. He is scheduled to be in court today for a hearing in which his lawyer will argue for a sharp reduction in bail.

chubert@sacbee.com