On Tuesday, the Lehigh County District Attorney announced charges of Corruption of Minors and Indecent Assault against Father Kevin Lonergan, 30, of Pottsville who until recently served as assistant pastor at the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown.
The allegation was received by the church in early June against Father Lonergan and reportedly involved a 17 year old girl.
The Diocese immediately reported the allegation to the District Attorney’s offic.
According to the Diocese Office of Communication, on the day they received the allegation, Bishop Alfred Schlert immediately removed Father Lonergan from his assignment, and he was forbidden from all priestly ministry, pending the results of the investigation.
The Diocese cooperated fully with the investigation.
The allegation is reported NOT to be related to the investigation of clergy abuse by a statewide Grand Jury. Father Lonergan has retained his own legal counsel, at his own expense.
In a statement from the Diocese of Allentown, "This is a difficult time for everyone at the parish. Bishop Alfred Schlert is asking for prayers for everyone affected, and their families, and is renewing his commitment to keeping children safe."