Los Angeles: On March 27, 2003, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Chelsea Massachusetts Police Department arrested 51 year-old Amado Pena at his residence in Massachusetts.

On March 25, 2003, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges (18 counts) against Pena for Lewd Acts With a Child. The crimes occurred while Pena was a seminary student in the early 1980’s. The crimes allegedly involved two altar boys at Santa Teresita Church in Boyle Heights. A warrant was issued and bail was set at 1.5 million dollars. Detectives assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department, Sexually Exploited Child Unit coordinated efforts with the Chelsea Police Department to take Pena into custody. It was discovered that Pena also has charges pending resolution of his Massachusetts warrant.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Commanding Officer, Juvenile Division at, 213-485-2801. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Adriana N. Sanchez, Media Relations, 213-485-3586.