Priest Charged, Joan Frawley Desmond, September 19, 2011

Priest Charged

Joan Frawley Desmond
September 19, 2011

http://www.catholicfreepress.org/local/2011/09/19/priest-charged/

FITCHBURG – Father Lowe B. Donger, 35, of 51 Illinois St., Worcester, former associate pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish, was arraigned Tuesday, Sept. 13 in Fitchburg District Court on charges of possession of child pornography, larceny of more than $250 and larceny from a building.

He is accused of having pictures on his laptop of girls around the ages of 10 and 11 in various stages of undress. He also is accused of having stolen $40 or $50 on several occasions from the parish office, according to police reports. He was said to have sent the money home to his family in the Philippines. He was released on personal recognizance. A pre-trial hearing is set for Oct. 25.

Father Donger was removed from public ministry in July by Bishop McManus after financial improprieties were discovered at the parish, according to Raymond L. Delisle, diocesan communications director.

That information was turned over to police, he said. Further investigation by police resulted in the pornography charges. Father Donger was living at the Holy Name of Jesus of Studies in Worcester after he was removed from public ministry and, later, in a parish in Auburn. Because of the indictment he must move out of any parish or diocesan property, Mr. Delisle said.