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	Paroled Episcopal Rector Suspended By Matthai Chakko Kuruvila San Francisco Chronicle October 15, 2007 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/15/BA8MSQ1RG.DTL The Episcopal Diocese of California is investigating an allegation of sexual misconduct involving Rev. James Tramel, who became an icon of redemption after he was ordained in prison while serving a sentence for second- degree murder. An adult member of Trinity Episcopal Church in San Francisco, Tramel's parish, filed the complaint with the diocese Tuesday, and Tramel, 39, was suspended that day from all pastoral, administrative and sacramental duties, according to diocesan spokesman Sean McConnell. Parishioners at the church were told of the suspension during Sunday morning services, McConnell said. Reached on Sunday, Tramel said Bishop Marc Andrus had instructed him not to speak on the matter. Andrus said the alleged sexual misconduct occurred over time and did not involve criminal activity. McConnell said privacy during such an investigation is part of the church's bylaws and is intended to help protect the alleged victim as well as the subject of the investigation. Tramel became rector of Trinity on July 1, 2006, four months after a parole board and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger approved his release. Prosecutors who sent Tramel to prison also supported his parole, although the victim's family did not. Tramel was one of two 17-year-olds convicted for the stabbing death of a homeless man in a Santa Barbara park in 1985. Tramel did not kill 29-year-old Michael Stephenson - an accomplice did - but he was deemed a ringleader of the crime and was sentenced to 15 years to life for second-degree murder.
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