🚀 go-pugleaf

But, wait, the rump rangers say this is okay-dokay.
He was "counseling" the minor, and what happened
is between both of them and god.


Priest removed over past misconduct with minor


STOCKTON - The Rev. Leo Suarez, a 22-year Roman Catholic priest in the
Diocese of Stockton, has been relieved of his duties after admitting to
engaging in sexual misconduct with a minor 20 years ago, according to a
brief statement issued Wednesday by the diocese.

Suarez was ordained as a priest in 1988 and was assigned to work at St.
Anthony's parish in Hughson through 1991, during the time the single
reported incident took place. He later worked at St. Stanislaus in
Modesto (1991-92), St. George's in Stockton (1992-97), was pastor at St.
Edward's in Stockton (1997-2006), Sacred Heart in Turlock (2008-09) and
most recently, Our Lady of Fatima in Modesto.

Bishop Stephen Blaire, head of the Diocese of Stockton, said in the
statement:

"It is with sadness that I announce that Father Leo Suarez, a priest of
the Diocese of Stockton, engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor 20
years ago. The diocese has received no other allegation against him in
regard to minors."

Blaire continued: "Father Leo Suarez has expressed deep sorrow over the
hurt he has caused. He is currently in residential treatment and will no
longer be able to exercise priestly ministry. I hold in prayer all who
have been hurt by what happened."

Blaire requested that anyone with information about a similar incident
of sexual misconduct should notify Sister Barbara Thiella, the diocesan
victim-assistance coordinator, at (209) 466-0636.

Suarez is said to be well-known within the church's large Latino
community, according to diocesan spokeswoman Sister Terry Davis. She
said the statement was issued as soon as the church learned of the
incident "so we can find out if there are any other victims. We only
know about one."

Davis said no law enforcement or other public agency has been drawn into
the case, citing the statute of limitations. She could not provide any
further details and said it would be wrong to assume it occurred at St.
Anthony's.

The diocese came forward, Davis said, because "it's just that it has
come to light. It would have had to come out at some point anyway. It
just was appropriate to let the public know about it."

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com.