PENNSYLVANIA
WJAC
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. —
August 24, 2012
Diocesan Priest Placed on Leave Following Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, Bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, has placed Rev. George D. Koharchik, Pastor of Saint Catherine of SienaParish in Mount Union, on leave from active ministry in the Priesthood. The action comes after allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors in Cambria County dating back more than 30 years. While on leave, Father Koharchik, 63, will not be permitted to function as a priest, and he will reside at a place where he has no contact with children.
In compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy), Bishop Bartchak has notified the Cambria County District Attorney of the accusations against Father Koharchik. Father Koharchik’s future status will be determined at the appropriate time after consulting with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican. The Bishop’s report to the Vatican will not interfere with the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s office in this matter.
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