NORTH CAROLINA
Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh
On Friday, July 13, 2012, the Diocese of Raleigh was informed that charges of second degree sexual offense and misdemeanor sexual battery against Father Edgar Sepulveda were dismissed by the Brunswick County District Attorney’s office.
In September 2009, the Diocese of Raleigh had followed its established procedures and those of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and informed the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys of allegations it had received concerning Father Sepulveda. In addition, following diocesan procedures, the Diocese placed Father Sepulveda on administrative leave and began the process of investigation into the allegations.
Once the Diocese was informed by the civil authorities that they were investigating the allegations, the Diocesan investigation was suspended at the request of these civil authorities, as they considered whether to file and proceed with criminal charges. During this time, Father Sepulveda continued on administrative leave, not publicly celebrating the sacraments or publicly presenting himself as a priest.
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