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	Priest Suspended after Alleged Lewd Act in Adult Store Boston.com [Worcester MA] November 1, 2005 WORCESTER, Mass. --A Roman Catholic priest arrested in Las Vegas last year for allegedly performing a lewd act on another man inside an adult bookstore was removed from his post as pastor of a Worcester parish. Bishop Robert McManus told parishioners on Sunday that the Rev. James Aquino was being relieved of his duties at Our Lady of Loreto parish, where he'd been pastor since 1986. McManus, who called the situation "a grave scandal," had known of Aquino's October 2004 arrest for several months. But the bishop had allowed him to remain in his post because Aquino denied the charges and McManus believed he might have been arrested due to a misunderstanding. Just last week, Aquino, 66, took to the pulpit to publicly deny the charges, telling parishioners he had just entered the Adult Super Store, which sells sexually explicit books, magazines and videos, when police swooped in. "I want you to know that I never, never engaged in any sexual activity of any kind," he said. But Aquino's arrest report and court records, which contradicted his claims of innocence, were recently posted on the Web site of a lay advocacy group, Worcester Voice of the Faithful, The Telegram & Gazette reported. According to the arrest report, police said for about 30 minutes they witnessed Aquino in a theater at the store masturbating himself and another man in public view. Aquino also gave police an incorrect Social Security number, the report said. Aquino pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge in March. The complaint was dismissed in September after he performed 50 hours of community service and received counseling. In a statement, McManus did not mention the Web site but said he decided to place Aquino on leave after receiving new information. "From early February until a few days ago, I believed I was in possession of the truth," the bishop said. "A few days ago, I realized with deep regret and disappointment that I did not possess the whole truth. "I cannot tell you how many good lay people, priests and deacons have been hurt by these events," the bishop said. "That's the nature of scandal in the church." John Cosenza, of Worcester, a 40-year parishioner of Our Lady of Loreto, said he was saddened by the situation. "It's unfortunate, because Father Aquino has been there for so long and has done such a great job," he said. "He's so well respected."
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