BRESCIA -- Across Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna eleven people were allegedly arrested on Wednesday, accused of sexual actions with and payment of underage teenagers.  It has been reported that amongst them were a priest, a professional football player and city policeman.

 The blitz was carried out by carabinieri from Brescia, who were investigating underage prostitution in the area, across the cities of Bergamo, Milan, Monza, Pavia and Parma.

 The young girls were claiming to be over-18 on social networking sites, and then once contact was established, would carry out sexual relations in secluded locations in exchange for gifts or money.

 Around 20 people are involved in the investigation.  Other than the 11 alleged arrests, there are supposedly around 10 others who are instigated.  The main questions are raised over the priest, the football player, who also coaches a young team, and the city policeman.  All are residents of Bergamasca and, whilst they don’t know each other, have frequently seen the same young girls.

 Started in August 2015, on the tip off of a mother who found texts on her 16-year-old daughter’s phone relating to the encounters, the investigation has reportedly revealed at least four young people who were paid for sexual encounters, which often took place in shopping centre car parks, amusement parks and at some of the accused’s homes.

 These arrests follow on from that of last week, of an allegedly HIV-positive man who had sexual relations with underage girls and without protection.

 Amongst the accused is don Diego Rota, who often led services in Solza (Bergamo).  Bergamo’s Catholic Curia has spoken out, saying, “The serious accusations against the Bishop of our diocesan community shock, amaze and deeply hurt us.  We would like to show our support for those who are suffering in the wake of this, not forgetting anyone,” explains a notice from the Curia. “We want truth and justice to prevail with all our hearts.”

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