CHARLESTON (SC)
Telegram & Gazette
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHARLESTON, S.C.— Additional abuse charges have been filed against a Roman Catholic priest who briefly worked in Charleston a quarter century ago.
The Rev. James Nyhan of Ipswich, Mass., was indicted by a Charleston County grand jury on Tuesday for an alleged 1979 incident. The new charges accuse Nyhan of second-degree assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, which covers children aged 11 to 15, authorities said.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the charge. He also was indicted on a charge of committing a lewd act on a minor.
The local solicitor's office was planning this year to prosecute two other cases against Nyhan involving sex-abuse charges.
A statement from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston said the church was unaware of a third alleged victim until now. The statement said Bishop Robert Baker "offers his prayers for healing to this victim and all those involved."