Episcopal priest pleads guilty, avoids jail for video incident with woman

By Paul Nelson
Times Union
May 23, 2016

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Episcopal-priest-pleads-guilty-avoids-jail-for-7941086.php

COLONIE — An Episcopal priest from Bethlehem will be sentenced to probation for three years after pleading guilty Monday to attempted unlawful surveillance for trying to film a woman getting dressed in a Salvation Army Thrift store last year.

The plea deal on the misdemeanor that the Rev. Adam Egan agreed to in Colonie Town Court with his attorney, Steve Coffey, by his side also includes a stay away-order of protection for the victim. After his arrest, Egan was placed on administrative leave as pastor at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Delmar

Outside court, Coffey said he doesn't believe Egan is still affiliated with the church in Delmar and is receiving professional help.

"It's terrible and was a thoughtless and impulsive act," said Coffey, adding his client never planned to physically harm or attack the woman.

Still, Coffey, stressed that he understands why she might have been scared.

Two men in clerical collars who accompanied Egan to court declined comment afterward and said the Epsicopal Diocese would be issuing a statement.

Egan was charged with unlawful surveillance and tampering with evidence for the incident at the Salvation Army on Troy Schenectady Road in Latham during the afternoon hours of Dec. 23.

Colonie police said Egan tried to flee the building after the victim noticed a camera peeking over the top of a curtain and contacted police. Police apprehended him nearby, discovered an electronic device, and say he tried to delete a video.

On Monday, the prosecutor said Egan the length of the order of protection will be detailed when Egan is sentenced by Justice Norman Massry in about two months.