PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Robert Moran and Jim Remsen
Inquirer Staff Writers
A Drexel University assistant vice president and priest alleged in a scathing grand jury report to have sexually abused a teenage girl was placed on leave yesterday pending a university review.
James M. Iannarella, 37, was hired by the university in November 2001 as assistant vice president for government and community relations. In university newsletters, Iannarella is seen posing in photographs with such dignitaries as former U.S. Rep. James C. Greenwood and SEPTA chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr.
"The university is unaware of any charges ever having been filed against him," Philip Terranova, a university spokesman, said in a written statement.
"However, the University has placed Mr. Iannarella on administrative leave with pay pending a review of recent developments," Terranova said.
Iannarella did not respond to a phone call and an e-mail for comment yesterday.
The review follows a report in the Philadelphia Daily News that Iannarella now works as a Drexel administrator.