Monday, December 06, 2010

Priest Arrested for Exposing Himself to Undercover Cop

A prominent and trusted Catholic priest has been given a leave of absence from his church duties after being arrested for public lewdness. 

During an area wide undercover sting, Father Alberto Maullon was busted for masturbating in a public place. 

Houston police say Maullon entered an adult book and video store off the Gulf Freeway. 

Officers say he gestured towards an undercover cop while he entered a private viewing booth. 

When the officer entered the booth, police say Maullon exposed himself and began masturbating.

The disgraced priest was taken into custody Wednesday and later posted bail on Friday.

Maullon has been the pastor at Saint Paul Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay since 2002.

"I feel ashamed. It's embarrassing and not very good to hear," said one church member.

Another said, "It's hard to believe. I think he's a very devout priest. To me, it's unbelievable."

Cardinal Danie DiNardo made this statement, "I ask you to join me in praying for St. Paul Parish and for Father Maullon as he addresses these very personal challenges with his priesthood," Cardinal Daniel DiNardo said.

"May the healing power of God be with all those impacted by this news."

SIC: 30OL/INT'L