Criminal charges dropped against priest accused of sex crimes | Crime

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Charges have been dismissed against a priest who was accused of sex crimes with a minor.

According to the Diocese of Raleigh, the Brunswick County District Attorney's Office dropped charges of second degree sexual offense and misdemeanor sexual battery against Father Edgar Sepulveda.

There is reason to believe Sepulveda did commit some illegal sexual activity, but the District Attorney's Office doesn't have enough evidence at this time to fulfill the courts needs.

The Diocese of Raleigh is continuing its investigation. The DA's Office hopes that probe will help provide more evidence so he can be charged at a later time.

The Diocese of Raleigh received allegations concerning Sepulveda in 2009. At the time, a spokesperson for the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department says Father Sepulveda was visiting church members in this area, when he was accused of committing the crimes against a juvenile male.

Sepulveda was a priest at St. Theresa del Nino Jesus in Beulaville. He was put on administrative leave when the investigation began.

Father Sepulveda continues on administrative leave.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.