WHEELING (WV)
WTRF TV
March 11, 2019
By Sam Coniglio
A five-month-long investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and financial impropriety against Bishop Michael Bransfield has come to a close, according to Archbishop William Lori.
The investigation was conducted by Archbishop Lori with the assistance of five lay experts, and it involved interviews with more than 40 people, including Bransfield. The findings of the investigation will be sent to the Holy See in Rome for a final judgment.
Diocesan officials say that there was no criminal conduct found during the course of the investigation.
“Pending the assessment of the findings of the Holy See, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, I have directed that Bishop Bransfield is not authorized to exercise any priestly or episcopal ministry within the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston,” Archbishop Lori said. “I have further directed the Diocese to implement a third-party reporting system for any sexual or financial impropriety on the part of its bishop, clergy, religious and lay employees and volunteers.”
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