Parents object to possible release of accused priest

Associated Press
November 12, 2018

https://bit.ly/2zNrrVF

Some parents in Piedmont are objecting to the possible release of a Rapid City priest accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old child.

A defense attorney for John Praveen has asked a judge to release the defendant to the supervision of Catholic diocese at Casa Maria, a property in Piedmont for retired priests.

KOTA-TV reports parents of children who attend Stagebarn Middle School and two day care centers across from Casa Maria say church officials are overlooking the location in the release plan.

Prosecutors last week objected to the release and asked the judge to continue John Praveen’s $100,000 bond. Seventh Circuit Judge Robert Mandel did not immediately rule on the defense request.