Pennsylvania priest held on sex tourism charges

PITTSBURGH — A western Pennsylvania priest accused of traveling to Honduras to engage in sex with children while promoting missionary work with the poor there has been arrested by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

The Rev. Joseph Maurizio Jr. was arrested Thursday and will remain in custody at least until a hearing Monday in Pittsburgh.

Altoona-Johnstown diocese Bishop Mark Bartchak says Maurizio was placed on leave Sept. 16. That happened four days after ICE agents searched a private residence and the rectory at Our Lady Queen of Angels, where Maurizio had been pastor.

Maurizio also faces a child porn charge. His attorney says children were bribed or coerced into making abuse allegations.