Defense Attorney Speaks out for Pastor Accused of Child Sex Abuse

By Danielle Krout
We Are Central PA
September 26, 2014

http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/defense-attorney-speaks-out-for-pastor-accused-of/11996/oNKDgQOmVUmvXGB-rL5hMA

child sex abuse

"He's innocent" - that's what the attorney for a Somerset County priest is saying surrounding charges of child sex abuse in other countries. Reverend Joseph Maurizio was picked up at his home in Windber, Somerset county Thursday.

This priest is facing charges of sexual abuse against young boys in Honduras.

His attorney says this isn't the first time these allegations have surfaced against his client.

"He maintains his innocence, and that these same and similar allegations were raised 5 years ago and deemed not creditable,” Steven Passarello, Maurizio’s defense attorney, said. “We put them to rest back in 2009 and we intend on putting them to bed so we can end this nightmare for Father Joe in 2014.”

Maurizio is in the Cambria County jail he is expected to be in federal court Monday morning.