Priest Accused of Offering Cleveland Metroparks Ranger $50 for Sex

By Jen Steer
newsnet5
October 12, 2013

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/Priest-offers-Cleveland-Metroparks-ranger-50-for-sex-admits-he-has-HIV-park-spokesperson-says

James McGonegal (Photo courtesy: Cleveland police)

A man was arrested for soliciting sex at Edgewater Park Friday.

James McGonegal offered a Cleveland Metropark ranger $50 for sex, said park spokeswoman Sanaa Julien. The ranger was not on detail and was in plain clothes at the time.

McGonegal was charged with a third-degree felony because he also admitted he knows he has HIV, Julien said.

McGonegal is a pastor at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Cleveland. The Cleveland Catholic Diocese released this brief statement Friday night:

"Diocesan authorities have a policy of cooperating with civil authorities in these kinds of matters, and will do so in this matter."

McGonegal was being held in the Cleveland City Jail, but was released Saturday after posting bond.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 15.