Man accused of punching auxiliary bishop pleads not guilty

Published January 31, 2017

A man accused of punching an auxiliary bishop during a weekend Mass in New Jersey has pleaded not guilty to assault.

Charles Miller entered the plea during a brief court appearance Tuesday.

Essex County authorities say the 48-year-old Newark resident punched the Rev. Manuel Cruz in the mouth Saturday at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The incident occurred during a service honoring the late baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

Authorities say Miller was in a pew when he got up, went to the altar and punched Cruz, knocking him down. The bishop was treated at a hospital for a mouth injury that required several stitches.

A motive for the attack remains under investigation,

Cruz addressed the congregation Sunday and said he was doing well.

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