Canadian prosecutor lets priest accused of sexual assault leave the country
July 11, 2012
Canadian prosecutors have struck an unusual deal, allowing a priest who is accused of sexual assault to leave the country and escape trial.
Father Jose Silva, a Brazilian native who was serving in the Hamilton, Ontario diocese, was arrested last December for allegedly molesting an 18-year-old. He has since left priestly ministry in Hamilton.
Father Silva’s lawyer said that the priest would have fought the charges in court, but wanted to return to Brazil before his visa expired. The prosecution agreed to a deal under which Silva will face arrest and prosecution if he ever comes to Canada again.
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