Hiv Positive Priest Steps Back from Duties at Cleveland Church after Being Arrested for Soliciting Sex; Doesn't Enter Plea at Arraignment

By Julie Kent
Cleveland Leader
October 15, 2013

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21693


Rev. James McGonegal, 68, pastor at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church on Lorain Avenue in Cleveland for the past several decades, arrested last Friday after an off-duty Metroparks ranger in plain clothes caught him attempting to solicit sex at Edgewater Park. The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland issued a statement on Monday evening, and McGonegal was arraigned on Tuesday.

McGonegal did not enter a plea during his arraignment today. Instead, he waived a preliminary hearing, and his charges will be bound over to a grand jury. McGonegal faces charges of soliciting, public indecency and drug abuse.

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has issued a second statement on Monday concerning McGonegal, confirming that he is, at least for now, taking a step back from his duties.

The Diocese stated:

"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.”

According to incident reports, McGonegal asked a park ranger to enter his vehicle, and offered him $50 to help him "get off". He allegedly exposed himself and began to touch himself. McGonegal was arrested, and inside the vehicle three sexual devices were found as well as a bottle of intoxicant. McGonegal later revealed to police that he is HIV positive..

McGonegal has been a priest since 1971, and has led the St. Ignatius of Antioch parish since the 1980s.