Catholic Priest Charged with Exposing Himself on Beach, by Barbara Hijek, The Sun-Sentinel, June 9, 2011

Catholic Priest Charged with Exposing Himself on Beach

By Barbara Hijek
The Sun-Sentinel
June 9, 2011

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/specials/weirdflorida/blog/2011/06/catholic_priest_charged_with_e_1.html

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office undercover investigation into indecent activities on Caspersen Beach in Englewood nabbed Rev. Bernard Chojnacki, 36, a priest at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte, reports The Bradenton Herald.

Chojnacki is accused of grabbing an undercover detective inappropriately, exposing himself and stating his desire to perform a sexual act to the undercover detective on Tuesday afternoon, according to a Sheriff's Office release.

In December 2009, the Diocese of Venice appointed Father Bernard Chojnacki as Parochial Vicar of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte. He lists his occupation as teacher and priest, according to the release.

Chojnacki was arrested and charged with exposure of sexual organs and battery. He posted $1,250 bond shortly after being booked into the Sarasota County jail, according to records.

Chojnacki, a native of Poland, was ordained in late 2009 and soon after assigned to the Port Charlotte church.