Former ND Priest to be Extradited From Philippines

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A former Fargo-area priest is being extradited to the United States from the Philippines to face child sex abuse charges.

Fernando Sayasaya is accused of fondling two boys in the mid-1990s, when he served parishes in Fargo and West Fargo. He was charged in 2002 with gross sexual imposition.

KFGO reports that a court in the Philippines has ordered Sayasaya to return to the United States. Authorities believe he fled to the Philippines to avoid the charges.

Former Assistant State's Attorney for Cass County Wade Webb says he is pleased with the development.

The Fargo Roman Catholic Diocese relieved Sayasaya of his duties in 1998, when the allegations involving juveniles first surfaced. He was later dismissed by the Vatican.

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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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