Dearborn Priest Faces Probation, Fines for Drunken Driving, Disorderly Conduct Charges

By Jessica Carreras
The Patch
December 28, 2012

http://dearborn.patch.com/articles/dearborn-priest-faces-probation-fines-for-drunk-driving-disorderly-conduct-charges


A Dearborn priest arrested in August for drunken driving and indecent exposure faces a year of probation and continued counseling, but hopes to return to the ministry, according to his attorney.

The Rev. Peter Petroske, who formerly served as the head priest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dearborn, was sentenced Thursday in Dearborn's 19th District Court before Judge Richard Wygonik.

Petroske was arrested in Dearborn in August for driving under the influence, and while naked. Following the charges, he was suspended from his post at Sacred Heart by the Archdiocese of Detroit.

For the disorderly conduct charge arising from the indecent exposure, Petroske was fined $100 and ordered to pay $100 in other costs.

For the impaired driving charge, he will pay a $200 fine and other costs, plus report to a probation officer via mail, fax or email on a regular basis for 12 months.

Pestroske was also ordered to continue counseling during that time, and attend Alcoholics Anonymous treatment three times per week.

Petroske's attorney, Edward Zelenak, said that they "appreciated the plea offer" from the city prosecutor.

"The sentence was appropriate," he said. "And the city attorney’s office was very fair."

Petroske arrived in Dearborn for the sentencing from Downingtown, PA, where he has been receiving inpatient treatment in the St. John Vianney Center since his arrest. His hearing for the charges was set back several times due to his stay at the center, which tags itself as "the oldest running behavioral health facility in North America for clergy and religious."

Zelenak confirmed that Petroske plans to continue both inpatient and outpatient treatment.

"He has not been discharged yet," Zelenak confirmed after the sentencing, adding that Petroske hopes to continue his path as a clergyman. "He’ll be back in the ministry soon. He still remains a member of the ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit."