The diocese has placed the priest on administrative leave.

Posted on June 12, 2013, 

Blue Earth:An Indian Catholic priest has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth in Minnesota, US.

Father Leo Koppala, who is serving the Winona diocese in the US, is currently lodged in the Faribault County Jail.

The priest’s name still remains on the Marquee at his church in Blue Earth, despite facing second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.

The diocese has placed the priest on administrative leave, saying that they had not received complaints on his conduct in the past.

The alleged incident happened last week at the home of the girl’s grandmother where he had been invited to dinner.

A criminal complaint filed in Faribault County says after dinner the young girl went downstairs to watch television.

It goes on to accuse the 47-year-old priest, who belongs to Nellore diocese in Andhra Pradesh, of grabbing the girl, kissing her, touching her breasts.

The complaint also alleged that the priest told the 11-year-old girl that when she was done with school, he wanted them to… quote… “be free together.”

If proved guilty, the priest could face up to 25 years in prison.

Source:  http://www.ucanindia.in/