July 24, 2005

Local Priest facing charges of sexual abuse involving a teenager

ROCHESTER (NY)
WHEC

7/23/05

A local priest is facing sexual abuse charges involving a teenager. Rochester police tell us 54 -year-old Father Dennis Sewar was arrested Friday afternoon at his home in Henrietta. Rochester police tell NEWS 10NBC Sewar was arrested for sex abuse in the third degree. He was released with an appearance ticket. NEWS 10NBC went to Sewar's home on Parkerhouse Road in Henrietta.

Neighbors tell NEWS 10NBC Sewar has lived in the same house with his mother all his life. Rochester police would only tell us the arrest stems from a sex abuse allegation that happened while Sewar was a priest at Church of the Annunciation in Rochester. So far the allegation involves one a teenager and a sex abuse crime between 1999 and 2001. NEWS 10NBC spoke to some neighbors of Sewar's who say they're surprised and concerned. NEWS 10NBC called the Rochester Catholic Diocese but didn't hear back in time for our newscast.

Posted by kshaw at July 24, 2005 07:47 AM