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Judge Delays Priest's Sentencing for Sex Charges

A federal judge has delayed next week's sentencing for a priest convicted of having sex with poor street children during missionary trips to Honduras.

The judge will instead hold a hearing on sealed motions seeking a new trial for the Rev. Joseph Maurizio.

The 70-year-old Somerset County priest was convicted in September of sexual tourism, child pornography and money laundering charges.

Maurizio's attorney has filed several sealed motions and documents in the last month, so his specific claims are unclear. But an order from a federal judge in Johnstown delaying Tuesday's sentencing says he'll instead consider claims that prosecutors withheld evidence that may have been favorable to the priest, among other issues.

Federal prosecutors and Maurizio's attorney didn't immediately comment Friday on the turn of events."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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