By Sharon Smith
WBTV
July 21, 2010
http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12846193
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A second victim has now come forward alleging sexual misconduct involving a former Charlotte priest.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police say they went to the home of 82-year-old Joseph Kelleher to interview him about an alleged incident that happened almost 30 years ago to a 13-year-old boy.
Kelleher is currently out on bond for a charge of indecent liberties against a minor in Albemarle. The crime allegedly happened at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church where Kelleher served as the parish priest in 1977.
That person came forward to police in September after writing on a message board that he was struggling with the aftermath of abuse. He said Kelleher repeatedly abused him in the church's rectory in Albemarle.
| Father Joseph Kelleher turned himself into the Albemarle Police Department in early July. |
Despite a lack of physical evidence, Albemarle Police Chief Ronnie Michael said detectives still have a very strong case based on what both sides have said.
According to the Diocese of Charlotte, Kelleher left Our Lady of the Annunciation in Albemarle in 1977. His next stop was Our Lady of the Assumption in Charlotte where he served from 1977 until 1986.
The second victim claims he was abused by Kelleher in 1981 at the parish school which used to be located on Shenandoah Avenue in Charlotte's Chantilly neighborhood. The school has since been moved to Shamrock Drive where the church is now located.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Charlotte says the second victim's allegation has also been added to their internal investigation.
Kelleher was placed on administrative leave by the Diocese in early July when Albemarle Police officially filed arrest warrants against him.
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