Area Priest Charged with Public Lewdness

By Mark Guydish
Sunday Dispatch
May 24, 2013

http://psdispatch.com/news/local-news/542394/Area-priest-charged-with-public-lewdness


A Diocese of Scranton priest serving parishes in Tunkhannock and Lake Winola has been charged with open lewdness by police and barred from public ministry by Bishop Joseph Bambera.

The diocese issued a statement noting The Rev. Daniel J. Doherty a member of the Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice and assistant pastor at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Tunkhannock, and Saint Mary of the Lake, Lake Winola, was involved in an incident at the Wyalusing Borough Park, Bradford County, om May 17.

According to the statement, “the accusation is that Father Doherty and an adult female were engaged in behavior that resulted in them being charged with open lewdness and for violating local ordinances that prohibit, among other things, consuming alcohol on the borough park property”

The diocese promised to “cooperate fully as this matter is properly handled by law enforcement.” Bambera also “removed Father’s Doherty’s faculties and has prohibited him from exercising public ministry pending a legal disposition.”

The statement notes “Bambera expressed anger with the apparent inappropriate, immoral and seemingly illegal behavior,” and “expressed concern for the pastor and people of the parish communities in Tunkhannock and Lake Winola”

“As we all struggle with the sobering reality of this most regrettable and unacceptable situation,” Bambera is quoted in the statement, “be assured of my prayers and support to provide what is needed to bring healing to all affected.”

Contact: mguydish@civitasmedia.com