(CANADA)
VOCM [St. John's NL, Canada]
September 10, 2024
A Roman Catholic priest who has served numerous communities in central and eastern Newfoundland is going to trial on a charge of sexual assault.
Forty-nine-year-old Thomas Offong was charged in December of last year following an investigation by Holyrood RCMP.
They have only said the alleged incident occurred on November 23 of 2023 in Avondale, and involved a woman. There is a publication ban on her identity.
Offong has served in Avondale, Colliers, Conception Harbour and Burin, but also the Grand Falls-Windsor area.
The Crown is proceeding by summary conviction, the less serious route, instead of by indictment in the case.
The Bishop of Grand Falls, Rev. Robert Daniels, is urging people to reserve judgement until the court process is complete.
Offong has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the one-day trial, which is set for March of next year.