Local Priest Takes Leave Amid Immigration Raid

A Roman Catholic priest is on leave from his Philadelphia parish amid a raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

It's not clear why they are interested in 46-year-old Rev. Geraldo Pinero.

Pinero is known as "Father Jerry" at multicultural Incarnation of Our Lord Parish in the city's Olney section.

But he calls himself "Jerry From Philly" online, where Pinero hawks scented candles, life coaching and get-rich-quick ideas.

Neither he nor the law-enforcement agency immediately returned phone messages Monday.

Archdiocesan officials say Tuesday's raid prompted him to go on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Spokeswoman Donna Farrell says priests are typically not permitted to pursue secular jobs, except for teaching and other approved posts.