Laguna Hills Bishop Arrested On Suspicion Of Child Sex Assault Charges

SANTA ANA (CBS) — The bishop of a Laguna Hills church was behind bars Monday on suspicion of sexual conduct with a young boy.

Bishop Oscar Perez Perez, 68, was arrested Saturday night at his Lake Forest apartment where the alleged acts took place, according to Jim Amormino of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail on suspicion of lewd acts with a child.

"The bishop stated to one of his church members that he needed help at home. A faithful follower sent her young son to the bishop's home. That's when the act occurred," said Amormino.

According to Amormino, officials were alerted of the allegations by the boy's mother who is a member of Perez's congregation, the Old Catholic Church. The boy is under 12 years old, but officials did not release his exact age.

Perez is the bishop of the Old Catholic Church, which holds services in rented space at St. George's Episcopal Church in Laguna Hills, Amormino said. Perez has no association with St. George's parish.

Perez is not recognized as an official bishop in the Catholic church.

The case is under investigation. Officials say there may be additional victims.