WASHINGTON (AP) — A Catholic priest faces up to 45 years in prison for sexually abusing two children in his parish in Washington, D.C.
News outlets report 47-year-old Urbano Vazquez was convicted Thursday after a weeklong trial. The girls, now 12 and 18, testified he assaulted them, even during Mass. Prosecutors said that underneath the Mexican national's holy robes was a devil that took advantage of his predominantly Latino parish.
The older victim testified Vazquez caressed her thigh and groped her. The 12-year-old testified that Vazquez kissed and groped her three years ago. Defense attorney, Robert C. Bonsib, said Vazquez couldn't have a "meaningful grab" under the clothes of the older victim, as she was wearing layers. He also questioned another young victim's use of the term "grooming," saying authorities influenced her testimony.
