Ontario Priest Claims He Did Not Molest 12-Year-Old Boy
A Roman Catholic priest in Southern California has pleaded not guilty to molesting a 12-year-old boy.
The San Bernardino County district attorney’s office says Jose Castillo entered pleas Tuesday to eight counts of lewd acts against a child.
His bail was raised to $7 million and he remains jailed.
Castillo was arrested Monday at his Ontario home. Prosecutors contend he molested the 12-year-old in 2008, and Ontario police say they suspect he molested at least two other teens.
John Andrews, spokesman for the Diocese of San Bernardino, says Castillo was removed from active duty in June when the allegation was first raised. He also says a sexual complaint involving an adult was made against Castillo two years ago but the diocese concluded it was unfounded.
