Man Recorded Priests Apology for Inappropriate Touch, Affidavit Says

By Erin Mathews
Salina Journal
August 14, 2012

http://www.salina.com/news/story/apology8-14-12

A Salina man who reported to police that he had been inappropriately touched by a Catholic priest was equipped with a listening device when he visited the Rev. Allen K. Scheer’s office and received an apology, according to an arrest affidavit.

According to the affidavit, when later contacted by police, Scheer initially denied touching or making any sexually explicit comments to the man, until he was informed of the recording device. Then he admitted touching the man’s upper thigh to see if he was receptive to sexual advances, according to the affidavit.

The arrest affidavit was opened to the public following resolution of the case Friday, when Scheer entered a plea of no contest to a reduced misdemeanor charge of battery in connection with the April 12 incident. He initially was charged with sexual battery, which also is a misdemeanor.

Amy Taylor, an assistant county attorney, said Scheer’s 90-day jail sentence was suspended, and he was placed on six months of supervised probation, with the special condition that he complete a Salina Catholic Diocese program for evaluation and treatment and have no contact with the man. He was ordered to pay $160 in court costs and $90 in other fees.

Read the rest of this story in Wednesday's Journal.