Former NJ Priest Convicted Of Criminal Sexual Contact With 14-Year-Old Girl
PATERSON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A former New Jersey priest has been convicted of luring, criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl in 2013.
According to officials, Father Jose Lopez-Durango, of St. Mary's Assumption Church in Passiac, allegedly engaged in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl after luring her into his private room at St. Mary's in January 2013.
Lopez-Durango, a Columbia native in New Jersey on a Religious Worker's visa, was arrested on July 25, 2013.
Defense attorney James Porfido says Lopez-Durango often hugged and kissed the girl near her mother. He says the interactions were never sexual.
Porfido says he's shocked by the verdict.
Lopez-Durango was acquitted of an additional charge of second-degree sexual assault. He faces up to 16 years in prison if he receives the maximum sentence on all counts.
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