WBZ
November 8, 2007
http://wbztv.com/topstories/local_story_311204852.html
(WBZ) BOSTON A Boston priest has been placed on leave after his arrest for allegedly stalking late night talk show host Conan O'Brien.
Rev. David Ajemian was arrested in New York City last week. According to the Archdiocese of Boston, Ajemian was then relieved of his right to administer public ministry.
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| Photo by The CBS |
Ajemian, 46, remains in the custody of New York City police after he repeatedly tried to contact Conan O'Brien over a 14 month period, New York City police said. Ajemian was told to stop the communications but did not, according to police, and a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Police said Ajemian was arrested at 30 Rockefeller Plaza while trying to enter a taping session of NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." Ajemian was a priest at St. Patrick's Parish in Stoneham, Mass. from 2005 to May 2007. He has not been reassigned to another parish since May.
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Rev. David Ajemian Photo by The CBS |
Ajemian is accused of sending O'Brien threatening notes on parish letterhead and contacting his parents.
"I want a public confession before I ever consider giving you absolution -- or a spot on your couch," wrote the Rev. David Ajemian, who signed the notes "Padre," said Barbara Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Manhattan district attorney's office.
Court papers say Ajemian referred to himself as "your priest stalker" in one note and complained of not being allowed in to see an earlier taping of the O'Brien show.
"Is this the way you treat your most dangerous fans?" the note said.
New York City police officials said Ajemian is charged with aggravated stalking and harassment. They said he had been sending the popular talk show host e-mails and letters since September 2006.
An NBC spokesman said O'Brien is not commenting on the incident.
The priest could face up to a year in prison if convicted on charges of aggravated harassment and stalking.
The Archdiocese of Boston released a statement saying, "The Archdiocese of Boston can confirm that Rev. David Ajemian was arrested in New York City on November 2, 2007 and is presently in the custody of New York City authorities. As a result of his arrest, the Archdiocese has placed Fr. Ajemian on leave and he is no longer able to exercise public ministry.
The Archdiocese has cooperated and continues to cooperate fully with New York authorities on this matter. Further, during this difficult time, the Archdiocese will offer pastoral support to all parties affected.
Out of respect to all parties involved, and in light of the pending legal proceedings, we decline further comment at this time."
Ajemian is a graduate of Harvard and the John XXIII National Seminary and was ordained in May 2001.
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