NJ Priest Suspended in Abuse Probe

North Plainfield, New Jersey --

The pastor of a Roman Catholic church has been removed after a church inquiry into allegations he sexually abused a minor 18 years ago.

In a letter read over the weekend to parishioners of St. Joseph's Church, Metuchen Bishop Paul Bootkoski said the Rev. John Casey has been removed from his post and all active church ministry. He is accused of molesting a minor when he served as a parochial vicar at St. Peter The Apostle Church in New Brunswick.

The bishop noted that Casey denies the allegation.

Bootkoski said the diocese conducted its own investigation after law enforcement authorities determined that the statute of limitations for the alleged crime had expired.

"It was the conclusion of the professional investigator and the Diocesan Review Board, and it is my own conclusion, that the charges are not without merit," the bishop wrote.

Casey did not immediately return a message seeking comment forwarded to him through the diocese's public relations office.

Diocesan spokeswoman Joanne Ward said the priest is accused of a single instance of misconduct.

Read the article at 1010 WINS Dated July 10, 2005

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