Local Priest on Leave Amidst Allegations

By Rachel Welte
Colorado Connection
January 22, 2012

http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=710704#.Tx1cJfl83cs

The Diocese of Colorado Springs has placed one of its priests on administrative leave, after it received an allegation of possible sexual abuse of a minor.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Diocese of Colorado Springs has placed one of its priests on administrative leave, after it received an allegation of possible sexual abuse of a minor.

According to a statement released by the diocese Sunday, officials there received the allegation on Jan. 4, and immediately reported the matter to the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The statement said Fr. Robert Manning, a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis who was serving as the pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Colorado Springs, was promptly placed on leave.

It also said the diocese is fully cooperating with police, and is also conducting an internal investigation into the matter.