$500K bond set for former SWFL priest accused of sexually abusing young boys

Published: Updated:
priest
Leo Riley mugshot. CREDIT: CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

A former Southwest Florida priest who allegedly sexually abused multiple young boys 40 years ago appeared in an Iowa bond court.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Father Leo Riley is accused of touching four boys sexually in Iowa, from 1984 to 1986.

Riley appeared in court on Monday, and the judge issued a no-contact order and set a bond of $500,000.

Four men came forward and reported that Riley had sexually abused them in the mid-80s while they were in grade school, serving as altar boys.

Riley worked at four Southwest Florida churches. He faced at least one allegation of sexual abuse in 2015 but was never convicted. The sheriff’s office arrested him in April.

Riley faces five charges of second-degree sexual abuse.

Riley’s next court appearance will be his preliminary hearing on May 22.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.