New York: A 47-year-old Indian priest has been arrested in the US state of Florida on charges of possessing child pornography, with authorities saying he asked a 14-year old boy to help him delete about 40 pornographic images of young boys from his phone.
Jose Palimattom, a visiting priest from India, was arrested on Monday on charges of possession of pornography and distributing it to a minor.
He is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail in lieu of USD 10,000 bail.
The priest has allegedly told authorities that he had been reprimanded at his church in India for being "involved with a minor male," but the incident was not reported to police.
The diocese said in a statement that it is "greatly concerned and takes very seriously the charges" against Palimattom.
The cooperation resulted in the arrest of Palimattom.
As part of its due diligence, the diocese had completed a background screening which also included a screening in India, and received a Certificate of Aptitude from the Minister Provincial in India.
It said the allegation is being taken very seriously and expressed sincere regret to the family involved and those hurt by "this regrettable matter".
Jose Palimattom, a visiting priest from India, was arrested on Monday on charges of possession of pornography and distributing it to a minor.
He is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail in lieu of USD 10,000 bail.
The priest has allegedly told authorities that he had been reprimanded at his church in India for being "involved with a minor male," but the incident was not reported to police.
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The diocese said in a statement that it is "greatly concerned and takes very seriously the charges" against Palimattom.
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The cooperation resulted in the arrest of Palimattom.
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As part of its due diligence, the diocese had completed a background screening which also included a screening in India, and received a Certificate of Aptitude from the Minister Provincial in India.
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It said the allegation is being taken very seriously and expressed sincere regret to the family involved and those hurt by "this regrettable matter".
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