The Lehigh County District Attorney has announced charges of Corruption of Minors and Indecent Assault against Father Kevin Lonergan, who most recently served as assistant pastor at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
The allegation, involving a 17-year-old female, was received by the Diocese in early June. Under its longstanding Zero Tolerance Policy, the Diocese immediately reported the allegation to the District Attorney’s office. Bishop Alfred Schlert also immediately removed Lonergan from his assignment. He was forbidden from all priestly ministry pending the results of the investigation.
Because it deals with all such allegations with transparency, the Diocese wanted to make an immediate public announcement at the time Lonergan was removed from ministry. The announcement was delayed, however, after the District Attorney asked the Diocese not to make an immediate announcement because it might interfere with the investigation. The Diocese cooperated fully with the law enforcement investigation.
This allegation is not related to the investigation of clergy abuse by a statewide Grand Jury. The allegation was received after the Grand Jury had completed its work. Father Lonergan has retained his own legal counsel, at his own expense.
Bishop Alfred Schlert is asking for prayers for all people who have been affected by this situation, as well as their families.
Anyone who knows of incidents of abuse, in the Church or elsewhere, should report it to the State Child Line at 1-800-932-0313, the State Attorney General’s hotline at 1-888-538-8541 or to local law enforcement.
