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  Jury Picks Continue in Priest Sex Trial
Defendant Accused of Molesting a 12-Year-Old Girl a Decade Ago

San Mateo County Times
September 1, 2004

REDWOOD CITY -- Jury selection continued Tuesday in the case against Jose Superiaso, a former Daly City Catholic priest accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl a decade ago.

Prosecutor Sharon Henry contends that Superiaso, 50, a one-time priest at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, engaged in "numerous acts of sexual intercourse" with a then-12-year-old girl several times in 1994 and 1995.

The girl reported the alleged abuse several years after it occurred. The case against Superiaso was not filed until 2003. He was arrested on June 10 that year at a coffee shop after the woman reportedly lured him to the area from New Mexico.

Jury selection in the case began Monday.

Earlier Tuesday, Judge Robert Foiles listened to prosecution and defense motions in the case, ruling against the prosecution's motion to add more charges against Superiaso, in lieu of some charges that were dropped because they were out of San Mateo County's jurisdiction.

Foiles also ruled in favor of the defense regarding admissibility of some witness testimony. The witness in question, an adult, was also allegedly sexually involved with Superiaso.

Defense attorney Ray Buenaventura asked to exclude that witness's testimony regarding sexual abuse she endured in the Philippines by another priest. "It is prejudicial to my client," Buenaventura argued. "In makes a connection that all priests are sexually deviant in that way."

Foiles agreed that the witness's prior relationship was irrelevant to the case against Superiaso, but added, "I have to always say that doors do get opened."

 
 

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