Hiv Positive Cleveland Priest Busted for Soliciting Gay Sex at Metroparks

By Julie Kent
Cleveland Leader
October 11, 2013

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/21683


Cleveland Metroparks rangers report that a Cleveland priest was arrested on Friday afternoon after he allegedly solicited gay sex at Edgewater Beach.

The suspect, Rev. James McGonegal, reportedly signaled a man over to his car and offered him $50 for oral sex. As it turns out, the man he signaled to his car was a ranger in plain clothes. McGonegal is also said to have admitted to authorities that he is HIV positive.

McGonegal, 68, is a priest at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church on Lorain Ave. in Cleveland that was originally slated by Cleveland Catholic Diocese Bishop Richard Lennon to close. However, the church fought the decision from the start, and eventually was successful it its appeal to remain open.

McGonegal now faces felony charges.

Coincidentally, Friday was also National Coming Out Day.