New Abuse Allegations against Fmr Savannah Priest

By Andrew Davis
WSAV
August 23, 2012

http://www2.wsav.com/news/2012/aug/22/3/new-abuse-allegations-against-fmr-savannah-priest-ar-4393952/

Father Bob Poandl

A former Savannah Diocese priest is facing a new allegation of sexual abuse, and calls from at least one group for him to be removed from the clergy.

This is now the 3rd person who has come forward claiming Father Robert Poandl molested him when the victim was just a boy, in this case about 10 years old.

In this case, the Atlanta man has filed a police report about the alleged abuse.

From 2010-2012 Father Poandl worked in churches in Claxton, Pembroke and Sandhill.

But earlier this year and for the second time in three years, Father Poandl was suspended from Georgia Catholic Parishes because of alleged child sex crimes.

This isn't the first time questions have arose about the priest.

He was cleared of sexual abuse charges in West Virginia back in 2010.

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Father Poandl is currently in a Cincinnati clergy residence, but is not functioning as a priest.

The head of the Glenmary Home Missioners, which Poandl is a member, said in a statement that they have requested a copy of the police report and have a professional independent investigator looking into the allegations.

The group's president, Father Chet Artysiewicz, added in part;

"Glenmary is committed, first and foremost, to making every possible effort to prevent misconduct by any of its members, and we also remain committed to facilitating healing for all those involved in any instances of sexual misconduct by providing an open, compassionate pastoral response."

News 3 spoke to the Diocese of Savannah as well, they are aware of the allegations as well, but are letting Glenmary handle the investigation, and any comments.