Deacon 'Pimped Minors' for Nuncio

The Tablet UK
September 24, 2013

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/latest-news/5687

The Justice Ministry of the Dominican Republic on Sunday said it has evidence of paedophilia against nuncio Józef Wesolowski, while a deacon has confessed to "pimping" minors for the senior prelate as well as of being his sexual partner, the website dominicantoday.com has reported.

The Deputy Procurator and the case's lead investigator, Bolivar Sanchez, said there was proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the nuncio, whom the Vatican recalled last month, committed child abuse. Mr Sanchez said he was ready to present the evidence to the Vatican, but noted that Wesolowski cannot be extradited because of his diplomatic status. The Vatican has said it will cooperate with the Dominican Republic authorities, and has also launched its own internal investigation.

Mr Sanchez said the evidence came from a number of minors who have been interviewed as part of the Dominican inquiry. Mr Sanchez also said that a deacon, Francisco Javier Occi Reyes, who is being held in a Dominican jail on charges of paedophilia, said at the time of his arrest he was "pimping" a youngster for Wesolowski. Mr Occi Reyes also claimed he was in a sexual relationship with Wesolowski. The deacon has since been suspended by his bishop.