RANCHO CUCAMONGA (CA)
Los Angeles Times
Joanna Corman
Inland Valley Voice
April 22, 2003
RANCHO CUCAMONGA — San Bernardino County prosecutors have declined to file charges against a former priest at St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church, saying the 42-year-old man making the accusation is not credible.
Father Peter Covas, 72, resigned from the church in April 2002 — two months before his scheduled retirement — as part of an investigation stemming from allegations of sexual abuse involving diocesan priests going back 50 years. Several cases were turned over to law enforcement officials.
Father Howard Lincoln, a Diocese of San Bernardino spokesman, declined comment until officials hear from the district attorney’s office.
Deputy District Atty. Steve Malone said the allegations of sexual abuse were made against Covas in February 2001 when the man told church officials he had a relationship with the priest from age 14 to 25. But three days later, the man wrote four letters to church officials recanting his allegations, Malone said.
