Texas priest accused of sex crimes has HIV

FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, announced that a priest, who was accused by several people of sexual misconduct, has HIV.

The Rev. Philip Magaldi, who provided service at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills, informed the diocese Feb. 7, that he is HIV-positive, the diocese said in a release on its Web site.

Since diocese officials became aware of the infection, which some believe Magaldi has had since 2003, they have reportedly contacted three individuals who accused him of sexual misconduct. The diocese chose to release the information about Magaldi's health to provide safety for people with past involvement with him, the Rev. Michael Olson said.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, R.I., where Magaldi served before, received three other accusations of alleged sexual misconduct by Magaldi. He also pleaded guilty to embezzling $123,000 from a Rhode Island parish and sentenced to two years in prison.

Magaldi, 71, resides in a North Richland Hills, Texas, assisted living home, a diocese spokesman said.