The priest accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old had his bond set Wednesday at $100,000 cash only at his initial court appearance.A priest who previously served in the Diocese of Rapid City pleaded not guilty Friday to two counts of having sexual contact with a child under the age of 16.
John Praveen, 38, served in the diocese before he was charged Oct. 2 and accused of sexually touching a 13-year-old girl over her clothes, according to court records and statements.
Before calling court to order, Judge Robert Mandel of the 7th Circuit called a translation company to connect with a Telugu speaker who had been booked for the arraignment.
John
Praveen, also known as John Praveen Kumar Itukulapat, 38, appeared
before Magistrate Judge Scott Bogue from the Pennington County Jail via a
video and audio stream.
Bogue
said the high bond was set due to the seriousness of the charges and
Praveen's flight risk given he has few ties to the community.
Praveen,
who most recently worked at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, a church in Rapid City, is charged with two counts of sexual
contact with a child under 16. The class 3 felonies, which allegedly
occurred on Sept. 3 and 28, carry a punishment of up to 15 years in
prison and/or a maximum fine of $30,000, court records say.
Priest accused of sexual abuse held on $100,000 cash-only bond | Crime & Courts | rapidcityjournal.com
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