Accused Stalker of Conan O'Brien in Hospital, KDKA, November 10, 2007

Accused Stalker of Conan O'Brien in Hospital

KDKA
November 10, 2007

http://kdka.com/entertainment/Priest.Conan.OBrien.2.565042.html

BOSTON ? After being reported missing earlier in the day, the Boston priest accused of stalking late-night talk-shot host Conan O'Brien returned to his parents' home Saturday and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.

The Rev. David Ajemian was reported missing by his father at 12:30 p.m. He returned to his parents home in Boston late in the afternoon, police said.

After being reported missing earlier in the day, the Boston priest accused of stalking late-night talk-shot host Conan O'Brien returned to his parents' home Saturday and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.

The hospital where Ajemian was being treated was not disclosed. Police said he went voluntarily.

Ajemian, 46, was arrested in New York City last week and is charged with aggravated stalking and harassment. After being found fit to stand trial, he was freed on bail Friday and returned to Boston.

Ajamian's parents attended Friday's court hearing in New York and later said their son needed help.

Ajemian allegedly tried to contact O'Brien repeatedly over a 14-month period. He 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.

Ajemian was arrested at 30 Rockefeller Plaza while trying to enter a taping of NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." He is accused of sending O'Brien threatening notes on parish letterhead and contacting his parents.

Ajemian was a priest at St. Patrick's Parish in Stoneham from 2005 to May 2007. He has not been reassigned to another parish since May.

"I want a public confession before I ever consider giving you absolution - or a spot on your couch," wrote 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 he had been sending the popular talk-show host e-mails and letters since September 2006.

The priest could face up to a year in prison if convicted on charges of aggravated harassment and stalking.

The Boston Archdiocese 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. He was ordained in May 2001.