MENDHAM (NJ)
Observer-Tribune
MENDHAM — A former Catholic priest who served as a social worker at the Daytop drug rehabilitation center and faces charges of sexually abusing children, doesn’t have the “makeup to sexually abuse anyone,” his defense attorney said on Monday.
The former priest, Richard J. Mieliwocki, 58, of Madison, faces five to 10 years in prison for endangering the welfare of a child and 18 months for criminal sexual contact.
Mieliwocki was charged in 2004 with the abuse of four boys at the Daytop facility located off Route 24 in Mendham. Mieliwocki’s attorney, Thomas C. Pluciennik of Morris Plains, rejected a plea offer in October and said he is waiting for crucial criminal information or “discovery,” to help prepare for trial.
“This is my third request for discovery from the prosecutor’s office. We aren’t going anywhere in this case until I receive discovery. This will be an interesting case when it goes to trial,” Pluciennik said.