Grand Jury Indicts Fr. Dongor

Telegram & Gazette
March 28, 2012

www.catholicfreepress.org/local/2012/03/28/grand-jury-indicts-fr-dongor/


A Worcester County grand jury indicted Father Lowe B. Dongor Friday on charges of possessing child pornography and larceny of more than $250.

Father Dongor, 36, is believed to have fled the country, possibly to the Philippines, his family home.

State Police charge that he admitted stealing "$40 or $50" at various times from St. Joseph's Parish in Fitchburg, where he was serving as associate pastor, and sending the money home to his family. State Police also said one of his computers contained pictures of 10- or 11-year-old girls in various states of undress.

A warrant for his arrest has been issued and, if he is returned to Massachusetts he will be prosecuted, said Timothy J. Connelly, spokesman for the District Attorney.

He has been removed from his position at St. Joseph's Parish. The Diocese of Worcester said he may not function as a priest and has notified the Catholic Conference of the Philippines of his status, according to Raymond L. Delisle, directer of the diocesan Office of Communications.

The most recent norms issued by the Vatican include child pornography as a crime which would be grounds for removal from the clerical state, Mr. Delisle said.

After Father Dongor was charged last September in Fitchburg District Court, the diocese asked him to move from church property at St. Joseph's until the case was settled.