Cleveland Priest Indicted on Felony Soliciting Charge; Failed to Reveal He Was Hiv-positive

By James F. McCarty
Plain Dealer
October 25, 2013

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/10/cleveland_priest_indicted_on_f.html

Rev. James McGonegal, pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church on Cleveland's West Side.

A Cuyahoga County grand jury today returned a three-count criminal indictment charging the Rev. James McGonegal, the 68-year-old pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, with soliciting sex from an undercover ranger at Edgewater Park two weeks ago.

Because McGonegal is HIV-positive, and failed to tell the ranger that, the soliciting charge is a third-degree felony.

McGonegal also was charged with abusing harmful intoxicants and public indecency, both misdemeanors.

His lawyer, Henry Hilow, said he had just learned about the indictments and had not yet discussed them with McGonegal.

“All I can say is that he’s a good man and a good priest and we’re hopeful for a fair resolution to this matter,” Hilow said.

Diocese of Cleveland spokesman Bob Tayek said, "The diocese is working with Father McGonegal as he addresses his issues." He said McGonegal has stepped away from his duties as pastor, and in the interim another priest has been appointed as a temporary administrator at the parish.

On Oct 11, an off-duty, undercover ranger at Edgewater Park said he was approached by McGonegal, and offered $50 for sex.

The priest later exposed himself while sitting in his late-model Jeep.

After McGonegal was taken to Cleveland City Jail, he told jail workers that he is HIV-positive, according to police reports.

McGonegal has been a priest since 1971, and pastor of the West Side parish since the mid- 1980s.

McGonegal is free on bond, and will enter pleas to the charges at a later date.