St. Jude Deacon Arrested for Sexual Assault on Five Year Old

WRCB
March 6, 2012

http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/17082784/man-65-arrested-for-sexual-assault-for-a-five-year-old-child


CHATTANOOGA, TN (WRCB) -- A deacon at St. Jude Catholic Church is in custody, accused of committing aggravated sexual battery against a five-year-old.

Sunday, investigators with the Chattanooga Police Department's Family Investigations Unit arrested 65 year-old Thomas C McConnell for one count of Aggravated Sexual Battery.

The incident occurred Sunday at 200 Manufacturer's Road.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News has confirmed McConnell is a Deacon at St. Jude Catholic Church, where he was involved in ministering to prison and jail inmates.

Bishop Richard F. Stika has temporarily suspended him from ministry pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Chattanooga Police Department spokesman Nathan Hartwig did not provide any further details in the incident.

Stay with WRCBtv.com for updates to this developing story.