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After being reassigned to St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, prosecutors say, Cunningham sexually abused a 10-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy repeatedly between 1998 and 2001.
“The victims were innocent children who have spent most of their lives with the trauma caused by the abuse alleged in this case,” Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascón said in a statement. “My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses and takes advantage of our children, especially when they hold a position of trust.”
The charges were filed this month, and an arraignment has yet to be scheduled. Greg Risling, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office, said the criminal investigation into Cunningham began in 2017 after the Sheriff’s Department received an allegation of sexual misconduct against the former priest.