Archdiocese: Father Michael Is under Investigation, by Robert Mayer, The Patch, July 11, 2011

Archdiocese: Father Michael Is under Investigation

By Robert Mayer
The Patch
July 11, 2011

http://southington.patch.com/articles/archdiocese-father-michael-is-under-investigation

When Father Michael Miller, the popular priest from St. Paul Church in Kensington, was taken to St. Francis Hospital by Life Star helicopter on the morning of July 4, he was under investigation by the Berlin Police Department, according to the Archdiocese of Hartford.

In an announcement to its parishoners Sunday morning, the Archdiocese said, "Sadly, we have been informed by the Berlin Police Department that there has been an allegation of inappropriate contact with a minor by Father Michael and there is an ongoing police investigation."

Father Robert asked children to go downstairs during the homily when he spoke to the parishoners. According to parishoners, Father Robert looked like he had been crying for a week.

He told parishoners because he wanted them to hear from him first,

A source close to the situation said Father Michael's personal computer was confiscated by the Berlin Police Department.

Life Star was called at approximately 11 a.m. on July 4 and Father Michael was rushed to St. Francis Hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit. He has since been moved out of ICU.

Parishoners wondered and flooded Patch e-mail with questions about what happened to Father Michael and the circumstances of his unidentified injury or illness.

The statement from the Archdiocese said, "We know you are wondering and worrying as we deal with this very difficult situation. He remains under treatment at this time and is not able to have visitors. Out of respect for his privacy and because the law requires that medical information be kept confidential, we cannot comment on his medical condition."

Parishioners outside Mass Sunday were not satisfied with the scant amount of information they received, but the Archdiocese said it is giving out as much information as it possibly can.

"Please be assured that the Archdiocese of Hartford and the Franciscan Friars are cooperating fully with this investigation," the statement said. "We are trying to be as open as possible with you and will provide additional information when we are able."