Priest at St. Bernard's Catholic Church Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges

Father Edward Warnakulasuriya, a priest at at 7 Maple Street in Tariffville, CT, was arrested by the Simsbury Police Department on Aug. 11. The arrest warrant issued by Enfield Superior Court charges that Edward Warnakulasuriya violated Connecticut General Statute Sec. 53a-73a Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree (3 counts). He was released on bond and scheduled to appear at Enfield Superior Court on August 12, 2011.

According to the church website, Warnakulasuriya was appointed administrator of St. Bernard’s by The Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hartford about year ago.

He was praised for his leadership and service to the parish community.

"I'm just shocked," said a parishioner, who did not want to be identified.