Ex-local Priest Is Charged with Molestation

By Savannah M. Barr
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
June 16, 2012

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/579671/Ex-local-priest-is-charged-with-molestation.html?nav=5011

Charges have been filed against the Rev. Thomas Shoback, formerly of St. Andrew's and St. Mary's churches, of Blossburg, and Our Lady of Lourdes, of Montoursville, accusing him of sexually assaulting a minor while serving as pastor at St. Mary's.

Shoback faces seven felony counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, one felony count of attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and one felony count of endangering the welfare of a child.

He also faces multiple misdemeanour offenses - eight counts of indecent assault, seven of endangering the welfare of a child, and eight of corruption of a minor.

According to state police, the abuse took place between February 1991 and February 1997 in the St. Mary's Parish Rectory. The victim, who is currently an adult, was between the ages of 11 and 17 at the time of the alleged abuse, according to state police.

The victim first reported the alleged abuse to members of the Diocese of Scranton in November of 2011. Following the report, Diocen officials immediately suspended Shoback's priestly duties, removed him from the ministry, and contacted the Tioga County District Attorney's Office.

State police began a formal investigation into the accusation in mid-November of 2011.

Shoback's brother, the former Rev. Edward Shoback, also was accused of sexual miscoduct with minors. He was laicized, or removed from the priesthood, by the Vatican in 2009.

According to state police, the case is pending formal arraignment before District Judge James Carlson, at which time a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.