Priest arrested for breaking into victims' homes near Naples
Italian authorities are investigating two priests suspected of attempting to cover up sexual abuse allegations by breaking into their victims' homes. The two clerics, along with four other suspects, were arrested in Afragola, near Naples. The priests are accused of sexually abusing two men and orchestrating the break-ins to steal their victims' mobile phones to destroy evidence.
Investigations suggest that two armed intruders, equipped with clubs and knives, stole one of the phones. Before they could find the second, the intruders fled, according to the prosecutor's office, which has been investigating the case since April.
Investigations also suggest that the two priests demanded "sexual relations" in exchange for clothing, food, or work. Intercepted conversations allegedly revealed that the priest from Afragola ordered the break-in, "out of great fear of the consequences of a lawsuit," according to the prosecutor's office.
Despite the priests' attempts to destroy evidence by orchestrating break-ins, the stolen mobile phones have become key pieces of evidence in the sexual abuse investigation. The priest from Afragola, facing legal consequences, is believed to have instigated the break-ins out of fear of a potential lawsuit.
