OHIO
Toledo News Now
By Holly Tuey
TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) –
A Toledo Catholic priest has been placed on administrative leave following allegations that he violated the diocesan code on sexual abuse of minors.
Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) is conducting an investigation involving Reverend Samuel Punnoor, who has served in the Diocese of Toledo since April of 2011.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas placed Father Punnoor on leave Friday, after he returned from visiting his home diocese in India. The diocese says it learned on May 6 of the allegation that Punnoor violated “Appendix A: Diocese of Toledo Code of Pastoral Conduct” of the diocesan “To Protect and to Heal: Policy on Sexual Abuse of Minors.” Father Punnoor was in India from April 26 until May 21.
Punnoor was placed on administrative leave, during which he is not allowed to exercise public ministry, administer any of the Sacraments, wear clerical attire or present himself publicly as a priest.
The diocese says this is the first time it has received any such allegation regarding Father Punnoor and it is cooperating with LCCS.
Punnoor was serving as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Maumee since July of 2013. He previously served at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish and Corpus Christi University Parish, both in Toledo. He was also involved with St. Joseph schools and Central Catholic High School in Toledo.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.