PENNSYLVANIA
The Triangle
By Triangle News Desk
Published: Friday, October 7, 2005
University Government and Community Relations Assistant Vice President James Iannerella, a priest no longer active in the ministry, was accused of sexually molesting a 17-year-old Delaware County girl in 1999 according to Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham's grand jury report released Sept. 21.
The report cited that Iannarella, along with 62 other priests, were involved in sexual acts of misconduct against minors that were later covered up by the Roman Catholic Church.
Iannerella, who was 30 at the time of the alleged incident, was put on leave from St. Joseph's parish school, where he had served as a vicar, in Ashton, Delaware County after the diocese received a complaint about the alleged incident spanning from May to August 1999. Iannarella consequently underwent psychological evaluation at St. John Vianney Hospital in Sept. 1999 before being placed on leave. Iannerella has not been active in ministry since 2003 and has worked at the University since Nov. 2001.
"Mr. Iannarella's primary responsibilities focus on external initiatives and activities," Office of University Relations claimed in a written statement. "The University is unaware of any charges ever having been filed against him. However, the University has placed Mr. Iannarella on administrative leave with pay pending a review of recent developments."