By Dustin Brown
A Catholic priest from Africa accused of molesting a 12-year-old Woodside boy last month pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week, a representative of the Queens district attorney said.
Peter Kiare, 41, was arraigned June 26 in Queens County Criminal Court on charges of sex abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child, a spokesman for Queens DA Richard Brown said.
Justice Lenora Gerald set bail at $50,000 after Kiare entered a plea of not guilty, the spokesman said.
If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail as well as a $1,000 fine.
Kiare, a member of the Holy Ghost Fathers order in Ireland, had arrived in the country June 11 and was staying at the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians Church on 48th Avenue in Woodside as he waited to begin a missionary appeal across the country.
The missionary priest from Kenya had taken the 12-year-old victim on a trip to Rockaway Beach June 16 — Father’s Day — with the permission of his family, church members whom he befriended during his first five days in the country, Clark said.
But Kiare allegedly sexually abused the boy by groping him, sexually touching him and attempting to kiss him during the sojourn, Clark said.
A spokesman for the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens said he had no association with the diocese and was not serving as a priest for the parish.
The church pastor moved Kiare to a residence for priests in Long Island City when the allegations surfaced.
Reach reporter Dustin Brown by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 154.
