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	Former Pastor Facing ‘Inappropriate Conduct’ Investigation By Jennifer Linn Ludington Daily News February 23, 2009 http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=43574 A local clergyman has been accused of “inappropriate conduct in public with an adult male,” according to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, and he is under investigation by police. The Rev. Johnson Jeyabal Pappusamy, former pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer and St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Scottville, is under investigation for an incident alleged to have occurred Feb. 11, according to Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. According to Mary Haarman, communications director for the Grand Rapids diocese, the church was made aware of the allegations and Pappusamy resigned last Wednesday, effective immediately. Spaniola said in an e-mail that he couldn’t answer in more detail about the allegations. He said he and the state police issued news releases today because of a Sept. 18 letter by Bishop Walter A. Hurley of Grand Rapids to parishioners of St. Jerome’s and St. Mary’s. Parishioners will have a chance to meet with Hurley at St. Mary’s at 7 tonight, asking questions and stating concerns. “While deeply saddened by this event, I ask your continued prayers as we trust in God’s grace and healing,” Hurley’s letter stated. Hurley wrote that local authorities are continuing their investigation, and although Pappusamy has left the parishes, he will remain in the diocese temporarily pending a civil resolution and the decision of his religious superior, the Rev. Augustine Tharappel. Pappusamy will not be involved in active ministry during this time. “The investigation is ongoing and is not complete at this time. (Pappusamy) has not been charged with any offense. I do not expect that a charging decision will be made for several weeks as the investigation has not yet run its course. This office is not prepared to publicly discuss the specifics of the allegation, any potential charge which may be levied, nor identify any other person involved in the alleged incident,” Spaniola stated. The case is being investigated by the Michigan State Police, Hart post, which also stated it could not release any further information this morning. The Rev. Thomas Schiller will serve as the temporary administrator of the two parishes until a decision on a replacement for Pappusamy is made. According to the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Pappusamy was ordained Sept. 16, 1998 in the Diocese of Sivagangai, India. He served as pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Custer and St. Jerome’s Church in Scottville from October 2008 until Feb. 18. He was the parish administrator from July 2007 through October 1, 2008 at All Saints Church in Fremont and St. Joseph Church in White Cloud. From February through July 1, 2008 he served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Rockford. Contact: jlinn@ludingtondailynews.com or 843-1122 x309
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