SANTO DOMINGO — A judge ruled there is enough evidence for authorities to hold a Roman Catholic priest while they investigate allegations that he raped a 15-year-old girl.
A police statement said officers arrested Alberto Zacarias Cordero Liriano after the girl's mother accused the priest of repeatedly raping the teenager.
Hundreds of parishioners and several priests protested in front of the Justice Department building to show their support for Zacarias. Defense attorney Frank Moreta told local media that Zacarias was innocent and he accused reporters of being sensationalist.
Moreta said the Diocese of La Vega has temporarily suspended Zacarias but he remains a priest within the church.
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