Priest Charged With Inappropriately Touching Fairfax Girl

FAIRFAX, VA—A retired priest has been charged with taking indecent liberties with a child, or sexual acts, during a 2003 home visit in Fairfax.

Police believe Gervase Cain, then 72, touched the 15-year old girl inappropriately in her home. The victim reported the case in 2004, but it was withdrawn. The case reopened in May, and Fairfax County Police issued a warrant on July 17 after consulting with the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney.

Cain, now 86, turned himself in Wednesday. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Cain is a retired priest of the Franciscan Friars in Pennsylvania. During the time of the incident, he was living at a retirement facility in Frederick County, Md. He has also taught in Pennsylvania, served a leadership role at Saint Francis College and has also been in positions around Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia. In the 1990s, he served in roles at churches in Herndon and Luray, Va.

Police are asking for anyone who has information or may be a victim to call Detective J. Linebaugh at 703-246-7800, or the Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Image via Fairfax County Police