A judge in Brazil has ordered the arrest of a Polish priest suspected of sexually abusing a teenager in a Rio de Janeiro suburb, authorities said Friday.
State prosecutors have accused Marcin Michael Strachanowski, 44, of handcuffing the 16-year-old former altar boy to a bed three years ago in the parish house where the priest lived and threatening to kill the youth if he spoke of the abuse.
"I already know the flowers I will place on your coffin," Strachanowski warned, according to prosecutors.
The Polish priest was suspended from his duties after the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro learned of the order for his arrest, church spokesman Adionel Carlos da Cunha said in a statement issued Friday. The judge issued the order on Thursday.
The archdiocese "expresses it's regret over what happened, especially with the people involved and possible victims," he said.
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Church officials declined to provide additional information about Strachanowski, such as how long he has been in Brazil or his work history with the church.
