HARRISBURG -- A Scranton Catholic priest was charged this morning with perjury in connection with statements he made before a grand jury investigating whether Louis A. DeNaples lied in his application to operate a casino in the Poconos.

The Rev. Joseph F. Sica allegedly lied about his relationship with late crime boss Russell Bufalino, according to the Dauphin County district attorney's office.

The Rev. Sica told the grand jury that he met Mr. Bufalino in passing and had no relationship with him, but contradictory evidence surfaced. It included photographs of the two arm-in-arm and a letter to former Pennsylvania First Lady Ginny Thornburgh in which the Rev. Sica called Mr. Bufalino "a friend."

At his arraignment this afternoon, the Rev. Sica appeared in his collar and handcuffs. Authorities said he threatened a state trooper who arrested him, although not with physical harm. A trooper also said the priest called Mr. DeNaples as he was being transported to the arraignment.

the Rev. Sica was released on $20,000 unsecured bond.