Italian Exorcist Priest, Colonel Arrested on Sex Abuse Charges

A priest in Palermo, Sicily who was known locally for carrying out exorcisms and spiritual 'healing' has been arrested on sex abuse charges along with an army colonel, local media reported Friday.

Father Salvatore Anello, 59, is suspected of molesting four women and a 12-year-old girl during "healing prayers," supposedly intended to help them recover from illness or liberate them from possession by the devil, the AGI news agency reported.

Anello's arrest follows a six-month investigation into Salvatore Muratore, 52, an army colonel who was active in the Renewal of the Holy Spirit Catholic community and has been accused by alleged victims of similar assaults.

Both men have been detained in custody and the investigation is still ongoing to ascertain if there were more victims, police told AGI.