UPDATE:Diocese places priest accused of rape on leave

ROGERS CITY, MI - A Northern Michigan priest jailed on sex assault charges is accused of raping a 28-year-old man who had been staying overnight at the priest's home, state police said.

Sylvestre Ochieng Obwaka, 44, pastor at St. Ignatius of Loyola Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Gaylord, was arraigned Tuesday, Feb. 21, in 89th District Court. He is charged with one count of first-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Personal Injury) and another count of third-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Force or Coercion), court staff said.

The alleged assault occurred on Feb. 1, according to Michigan State Police troopers from the Alpena post. Police learned of the allegations on Feb. 17, and interviewed the victim.

The victim told police the assault occurred while he was sleeping, authorities said.

Obwaka was arrested on Feb. 18, the same day police used a search warrant at his home, authorities said.

It's unclear if the alleged assault occurred on church property.

Obwaka remains in the Presque Isle County Jail. He is held without bond.

The diocese said it plans to issue a statement.