Trial Begins For Catholic Priest Accused Of Sexual Assault
EL PASO — The trial for Catholic Priest Philip Taban, who is accused of second degree sexual assault, began Monday morning at the 409th District Court.
Taban, a national of the African nation of Uganda, was a visiting priest at Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in East El Paso.
A jury for his trial was picked Friday and Prosecutors begin presenting evidence Monday.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the charges stem from accusations made by an 18-year-old teenager, who said Taban sexually assaulted her when she visited his home at the 1200 Block of Picasso to seek religious guidance.
Taban was arrested September 12, 2007 and has remained at the El Paso County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond since then.
