Pa. Priest Dies While Appealing Abuse Conviction

News 4
November 17, 2014

http://www.mynews4.com/news/story/Pa-priest-dies-while-appealing-abuse-conviction/G6LEjrdhFU6wAbtbLqoDiQ.cspx

A Roman Catholic priest from Philadelphia has died in custody while appealing his abuse conviction.

A religious order confirms that 67-year-old Rev. Charles Engelhardt, of Wynnewood, died Sunday at a Pennsylvania hospital.

An appeal argued last month challenges the young man who lodged abuse claims against Engelhardt, another priest and a teacher.

Engelhardt said at his sentencing last year that he "accepted this injustice" and believed "it will be righted."

Engelhardt had lost 50 pounds since the accusations surfaced in 2009. He was serving a 6- to 12-year prison term in Northumberland County.

Fr. Kevin Nadolski, a spokesman for the Delaware-based Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, confirmed Engelhardt's death on Monday.

The blog BigTrial.Net reported that Engelhardt had been hospitalized for heart problems earlier this month and then returned to prison.