Priest Accused of Soliciting 'Steps Away from Duties'

By Stacey Frey
The Fox 8
October 15, 2013

http://fox8.com/2013/10/15/priest-accused-of-soliciting-to-appear-in-court/


[the police report]

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A priest accused of soliciting sex at Edgewater Park has “stepped away from his duties” at St. Ignatius of Antioch parish to “attend to his personal matters,” according to a statement released by the Diocese of Cleveland.

The status of Rev. James McGonegal, 68, is also under review, according to the statement.

McGonegal faces charges of soliciting, public indecency and drug abuse.

During his arraignment Tuesday, McGonegal did not enter a plea; instead, he waived a preliminary hearing, and his charges will be bound over to a grand jury.

A police reports states that on Friday, McGonegal asked a ranger at the park to get into his vehicle. He then offered him $50 to touch him and exposed himself, according to police.

The ranger arrested McGonegal and then found three sexual devices in his car along with a bottle of intoxicant, according to police.

McGonegal told police he is HIV positive. That makes the soliciting charge a felony.

McGonegal has been the head of the St. Ignatius Church parish since the 1980s.

The full statement released by the diocese states:

“The status of Fr. James McGonegal is under review.  Fr McGonegal has stepped away from his duties at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish to attend to his personal matters.  Fr. Gary Yanus, priest in residence at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish will temporarily attend to the sacramental needs of the parish community.”