Indian priest arrested in US

Jul 15, 2013 |

Age Correspondent

A Catholic priest from Andhra Pradesh, Father Leo Koppala, has been arrested in the United States for molesting a 12-year-old girl. Fr Koppala has been serving at the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Blue Earth, Minnesota, for nearly four years.

The 47-year-old priest from Nellore charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct. If convicted, he faces 25 years in prison or a fine of $35,000 or both.
A note from Bishop John M. Quinn of Winona, Minnesota, said: “Leo Charles Koppala... has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with the diocesan policy for the protection of minors. Koppala has been charged with criminal sexual conduct in the second degree involving a minor.”
According to the criminal complaint, the priest had been invited for supper to a home in Blue Earth on June 7.
Police chief Tom Fletcher, who interviewed Fr Koppala, said, “Koppala... agreed that he had kissed her on the cheeks and mouth. He admitted to placing his hand on her chest but did not believe he touched her breasts.”
The diocese in Nellore was not available for comment.

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