(ANSAmed) - VALLETTA, SEPTEMBER 19 - The Maltese parish priest of the historic Saint Augustine Church in Valletta has been arrested on charges of involvement in an art theft from his church where works totaling 100,000 euros were stolen.



The theft took place on February 8 and included paintings, sculptures, and sacred objects in silver.



Following a lengthy interrogation, Father Deo Debono confessed to the crime and was released on bail, according to police sources cited by the Times of Malta and the website of public broadcaster TVM.



Formal charges are expected to be brought Friday.



The Archbishop of Malta, Charles Scicluna, has already suspended Debono from the exercise of duties in public and removed him from his role as parish priest.(ANSAmed).

