Retired priest charged with indecent liberties against 15-year-old Fairfax girl

WASHINGTON — A retired priest accused of inappropriately touching a 15-year-old girl in 2003 has been arrested in Fairfax County and charged with taking indecent liberties with a child.

Fairfax County police said Thursday Gervase Cain, who was then 72, inappropriately touched the girl “sometime in 2003” during a consultation at her home in Fairfax.

Cain, now 86 and living in Pennsylvania, was charged with taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship.

Police said a complaint was first filed in 2004 and later withdrawn. The case was reopened in May 2017. Police said they consulted with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney before a warrant was issued on July 17.

Police said they want to hear from anyone who may have additional information or who may be a victim. You can call Detective J. Linebaugh at 703-246-7800, or the Fairfax County police at 703-691-2131.

Jack Moore

Jack Moore joined WTOP.com as a digital writer/editor in July 2016. Previous to his current role, he covered federal government management and technology as the news editor at Nextgov.com, part of Government Executive Media Group.

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