A priest is accused in Fairfax County of sexually abusing a man at the Saint Bernadette Parish in Fairfax County.

Continue reading

The alleged victim reported in November that Father Luis Fernando Franco Henao, 40, sexually assaulted him in February. Henao turned himself in to police Wednesday. He is charged with sexual battery.

After he was processed by police, Franco was released.

A spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington said Franco no longer practices or teaches at Saint Bernadette.

The diocese said Franco came to Virginia in 2010 from a church in Columbia. They add his focus here was tending to those in the flock who speak Spanish.

In a prepared statement, a spokesperson said, "...the Diocese of Arlington is committed to full cooperation with law enforcement regarding this allegation and we encourage anyone with knowledge of this case to contact the Fairfax County Police Department."