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Bari priest placed under house arrest for sexual violence
A 56-year-old parish priest in the Bari metropolitan area has been placed under house arrest following allegations of sexual violence and abuse of authority. The precautionary measure was ordered by the Judge for Preliminary Investigations of the Court of Trani at the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office.
The investigation follows a complaint from a regular parishioner who reported being subjected to sexual harassment and violence between late 2024 and early 2025, during which time the victim was an adult.
Police investigations, including the use of wiretaps and interviews with individuals to whom the victim had confided, reportedly confirmed the victim's account. Investigators highlighted the significant influence and authority the priest exercised over those who entrusted themselves to him, which prompted the request for restrictive measures.
Entities
Bari · Corato · Mesagne · Polizia di Stato · Procura della Repubblica di Trani · Taranto
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspect posed as the son of an old friend of the victim to gain trust.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police recovered the full 600 euros and returned it to the victim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police identified a suspect in Mesagne for an aggravated fraud against an 84-year-old man in Taranto.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The suspect convinced the victim to withdraw 600 euros in exchange for inexpensive plastic watches.