By Lookout Staff

July 31, 2012 -- A Santa Monica priest accused of sexual battery turned himself in to the police Monday after the City Attorney filed charges.

Father Rafael Venegas -- who is accused of accosting the 20-year-old woman in the parking lot of Saint Anne’s Parish last September -- is out on $20,000 bail after the City Attorney filed charges last Thursday of sexual battery and furnishing alcohol to someone under 21 years of age.

“The officers completed their investigation and the City Attorney determined there was enough information presented to file charges,” said Sgt. Richard Lewis, the police department spokesman.

“Under the advice of his counsel, (Venegas) turned himself in for booking,” said Lewis, who added that the alternative, once charges have been filed, is for police to either go to the suspect's home or the place of business and make an arrest.

A call to Venegas Monday went unanswered.

Though Lewis couldn’t discuss the specifics of the case, he said that sexual battery is defined as “unlawful or unwanted touching of another person of their private areas.”

Both charges are misdemeanors and, as such, will be handled by the City Attorney, rather than the District Attorney, said Lewis.

Though charges have been filed -- an indication that the City Attorney’s office believes it has a winnable case -- Lewis cautioned “everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

Police are encouraging anyone with additional information about the alleged attack to call Detective Phillip DeRyck at 310.458.8944, Sergeant Darrick Jacob at 310.458.8460, or the department switchboard 24-hours a day at 310.458.8495.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or visit the website at www.lacrimestoppers.org.