Koppala from Andhra Pradesh accused of fondling 13-year-old girl.
American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: A priest from Andhra Pradesh, Father Leo Charles Koppala, 47, who had been charged with second degree criminal sexual misconduct after he kissed and fondled a 13-year-old girl in Minnesota, has been released from jail after posting bail of $75,000.
Koppala, who was released from the Faribault County Jail after spending a month there, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $35,000 fine or both, if convicted of the offense which occurred last month on June 7th, when he had gone to the victim’s house after her family invited him over for a meal.
Koppala has been serving as priest for Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth, reported the local Fairmont Sentinel.
According to reports, Koppala kissed the victim on her cheeks and lips, touched her private parts, and told her that he loved her.
Authorities have also confiscated Koppala’s personal computer, and are checking the files on it. Koppala has been known for his fund-raising abilities for poor children and orphans in Andhra Pradesh.
According to the Sentinel, prosecutor Troy Timmerman said conditions are attached to Koppala’s release, including that he have no contact with the victim or the victim’s family, and no contact with any minor females. He also cannot leave the state of Minnesota, must surrender his passport, and must remain law-abiding.
According to the Sentinel, Faribault County deputies have been able to view all of the locked files found on Koppala’s computer. Timmerman said he is still not sure how many files there are or exactly what is in them.