PUERTO RICO
National Catholic Reporter
Catholic News Service | May. 16, 2014
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
A suspended priest of the diocese of Caguas, Puerto Rico, was arrested Tuesday by federal authorities for allegedly transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and sexual trafficking of minors.
Fr. Israel Berrios, 58, was arrested at his home in Naranjito without incident, according to a press release Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations unit, which conducted the investigation.
The Associated Press reported that Berrios has been accused of sexually abusing an altar boy from the time he was about 8 until he turned 17, according to Puerto Rico Justice Secretary Cesar Miranda.
If found guilty, he could face at least 10 years in prison, and as much as a life sentence if convicted on all charges.
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