Rev. James Scahill Charged with Operating under the Influence Following Car Accident in East Longmeadow

By Elizabeth Roman
The Republican
November 18, 2012

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/11/father_james_scahill_charged_w.html

The Rev. James Scahill, pastor of St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow, was charged with OUI after a three-car crash on Friday, according to police.

AST LONGMEADOW — The Rev. James J. Scahill, 65, has been charged with operating under the influence after a minor car accident on the corner of Harkness Avenue and North Main Street late Friday afternoon, police said.

In 2010, Scahill, pastor of St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow, attracted international attention for suggesting that Pope Benedict XVI should resign if he did not take stronger action to confront the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

East Longmeadow police Sgt. Patrick Manley said the Catholic priest was involved in a three-car accident around 5:20 p.m. Friday. There were no injuries.

Manley said Scahill is expected to be arraigned on the OUI charge in Palmer District Court in the next few days.

Mark Dupont, the spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, released a written statement saying the diocese has no comment on the circumstances surrounding Scahill's arrest.

"We are aware he has discussed this matter with his parish's worshiping community during weekend liturgies, and we would certainly join the St. Michael's Parish family in offering our prayers for Father during this difficult time," Dupont said.