SALEM — A Marion County judge on Monday ordered Father Angel Perez, the St. Luke Parish, Woodburn pastor accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy, to remain in custody without bail.
The judge said there was "clear and convincing" evidence that the priest would pose a risk to the victim in the case and the general public if he was released pending the start of his trial.
A grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against Father Perez. It charges him with first-degree sexual abuse, abuse of a child in the display of sexually explicit conduct, tampering with physical evidence, four counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor and driving under the influence of intoxicants.
The judge said she was concerned about evidence that accuses the priest of providing alcohol to the victim on four occasions.
The Archdiocese of Portland has provided the priest with a loan for legal representation. Father Perez is a resident but not a citizen of the United States. If he is convicted of sexual abuse, he could be removed from the country.
An attorney representing Father Perez said the pastor would adhere to any conditions of release, including electronic monitoring or house arrest. She said she had his passport and would be willing to turn it over to the court.
The priest has no prior criminal history and has been in Oregon since 1995. His family lives in the United States; a mother, brother and sister reside in the Chicago area.
