CALIFORNIA
CBS Sacramento
[with video]
DAVIS (CBS13) – Parishioners had no idea of the arrest of a popular priest until an announcement was made at Saturday’s 5:30 p.m. mass.
Many at St. James Parish still can’t believe it was the priest they describe as friendly and popular.
“It’s the closest I’ve been to a priest or someone in the parish accused of something like this. I’m blown away,” said one parishioner.
Friday, officers arrested Father Hector Coria on charges he charges he was having sex with a teenager.
“I’m heartbroken because he’s such a dear person. I can’t believe it,” said another parishioner.
Davis police began investing 45-year-old Coria earlier this month after information surfaced that he was having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Police would not say if the girl was a member of the church, only noting that the alleged relationship occurred at the same time Coria was a priest.
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