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	Priest Accused of Sexual Misconduct Speaks By Christina Hernandez WINK News January 21, 2009 http://www.winknews.com/news/local/38024519.html [with video] Priest accused of sexual misconduct speaks to the public for the first time FORT MYERS, Fla. - A former Fort Myers priest spoke to the public for the first time after being accused of sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old boy. It's a very unusual thing to see - a priest speaking openly and holding nothing back. He says he did it because he has nothing to hide. It was standing room only inside Holmes Beach City Hall in Manatee County. Over 100 people held white flowers to show their support for Father Ron. He denied the claim of inappropriate touching that allegedly occurred at St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers about 15 years ago. Father Ron said, "The person that accused me was part of my family... I feel disappointed and betrayed." Members of his former church and family tell me they also feel betrayed. His niece, Deborah Litus said, "Hearing this and what's going on breaks my heart. It really does, and it doesn't make me question the kind of man my uncle is." Patrick Loivaud was part of Father Ron's youth group in Port Charlotte almost 15 years ago. He said, "The person I know is not the person I'm hearing with these allegations." No charges have been filed against Father Ron, but the diocese investigating the allegations. The accuser's name has not been released.
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