Santa Monica Priest Arrested For Alleged Sexual Battery

SANTA MONICA (CBS) — A Santa Monica priest Monday turned himself in to police and was arrested amid sexual battery allegations.

Police began investigating the Rev. Rafael Venegas of Saint Anne's Church July 1 when a 20-year-old woman reported she was attacked by Venegas and also given alcohol in September 2011.

The victim is not a parishioner at the church.

Investigators turned the results of their investigation over to the City Attorney's Office, who charged Venegas with a count of sexual battery and another count of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Venegas was released from jail after posting $20,000 bail. He's expected to be arraigned Friday.

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