EPPD: Former Catholic Priest charged with sexual abuse of a child

KVIA-TV
June 11, 2018

http://www.kvia.com/crime/eppd-former-catholic-priest-charged-with-sexual-abuse-of-a-child/751832182

Former Priest Miguel Luna

EL PASO, Texas - El Paso Police arrested a former Catholic priest and charged him with sexual abuse of a minor allegedly committed while he was a priest. 

Miguel Luna, 68, is charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

Detectives with the Department's Crimes Against Children unit conducted an investigation after the victim came forward and said the forme priest abused her as a child.

Police said the alleged assaults occurred over the span of several years in the early through late 90's and ended when the victim moved away. 

Luna was arrested in front of his residence at the 3500 block of Keltner on Monday, June 11, 2018.

In August 2017, the Catholic Diocese of El Paso announced it had alerted El Paso Police that Luna admitted to sexual misconduct with a young girl in the 1980s. The victim reached out to the diocese in November of 2016, and the Diocese conducted an investigation.

"It is directly contradictory to the sacrificial love to which a priest has committed himself before God," Bishop Mark Seitz said at the time. "I am deeply sorry for the pain caused by these actions of Miguel Luna, and ask those who know of other situations of misconduct or abuse to please inform law enforcement and the Diocese."

Luna was removed from ministry back in 2013.  The Diocese said Luna was ordained July 1, 1982. Here is where Luna has served:

• Blessed Sacrament
• Corpus Christi
• Our Lady of Assumption
• Our Lady of Peace -- Alpine
• San Antonio De Padua
• San Lorenzo
• St. Joseph Mission -- Fort Davis
• St. Mary Mission -- Marathon
• St. Matthew
• St. Pius X
• St. Thomas Aquina
• St. Thomas/St. Joseph -- Kermit 
   

The Diocese of El Paso said it is reaching out to all of its parishes to learn if there any more potential victims. 

Luna was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $50,000 bond. 

Crimes Against Children detectives are asking anyone who may have information as a victim or witness of abuse by Luna to contact them at (915) 212-0382.