Sewickley Priest on Leave during Facebook Investigation

By Bobby Cherry
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
May 30, 2012

triblive.com/news/1885027-74/valentine-leave-office-zubik-attorney-district-facebook-investigation-james-letter

A Roman Catholic priest is on leave from his Sewickley parish while the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office investigates a complaint against him involving Facebook postings to a minor.

The Rev. Daniel Valentine of St. James Catholic Church began a leave of absence May 19 because of a complaint about Facebook postings, according to a letter to parishioners from Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh diocese.

The diocese received the complaint and referred it to the district attorney's office, spokesman Mike Manko said Wednesday.

Valentine could not be reached for comment. Rev. Samuel Esposito is temporary administrator at the church.

In his letter, published on the St. James website, Zubik said the DA's office "informed the diocese that while the postings were a matter of poor judgment, there was no criminal activity involved."

Manko said his office could not comment because the matter is under investigation.

Zubik said the diocese requested that district attorney to do a forensic audit of both the parish computers and Valentine's personal computer.

Valentine has been "fully cooperative," diocese spokesman Rev. Ronald Lengwin said. He also said Valentine opted to take a leave while the investigation continues and that it is Zubik's hope that the priest "can return to ministry soon."

Valentine, a Bethel Park native, was transferred in June 2006 to St. James from Holy Spirit Church in West Mifflin.

"He is a good priest and a great man, and we're just praying that he'll be able to return to our community," said Gloria Berry of Edgeworth, a longtime church member.

Staff writer Bobby Kerlik contributed.