Cingle Investigation

ABC 23
October 7, 2015

http://www.abc23.com/News/NewsDetails.asp?NewsID=18510


There are harsh accusations against a Somerset County Catholic Priest on Wednesday. We are learning about a sixty eight year old Priest that is now suspended because he is accused of sexual abuse. The Diocese confirms that Father Martin Cingle has been placed on a leave as they investigate allegations concerning sex abuse of a minor dating back to 2002. According to the Johnstown Catholic Diocese, Father Cingle is sixty eight years old and has been an Ordained Priest since 1973. He has served at about a dozen parishes throughout Central Pennsylvania. The most recent, All Saints Parish in Boswell and Saint Anne Parish in Davidsville. According to published reports Cingle is the twenty eighth Altoona Johnstown Diocese's clergy member to be publicly accused of molesting children. For victim service groups that number is way too high. We are so sorry that a child has been hurt and we hope that they find healing. We would beg anyone with knowledge of these crimes any information to contact law enforcement. SNAP stands for the Survivors Network of those Abuse by Priests. Its website says it is the world's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. They fear there could be more victims and urge them to come forward. Everything that we know about child predators from experience from research from history is that they usually molest throughout their life time so it would be reckless to assume that there is only one victim. In a statement from Bishop Bartchak of the Altoona Johnstown Diocese says "children are a precious gift from GOD, and we must always take the necessary steps to ensure their protection in the Catholic Church." A Diocese spokesperson say the Bishop is planning to celebrate mass at teach of the churches to talk to the parishioners.