Morganfield Priest Reinstated after Investigation

Tristate Homepage
September 19, 2016

http://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/morganfield-pastor-reinstated-after-investigation

The Catholic Diocese of Owensboro announces it has reinstated a priest after investigating allegations he had engaged in inappropriate conduct with a minor several years ago.

Fr. Freddie Byrd will resume his position as pastor of St. Ann Church in Morganfield, Kentucky.

On June 8, 2016, Fr. Byrd was temporarily suspended from public ministry after being accused of engaging in inappropriate conduct with a minor in 1983, five years before he was ordained to the priesthood.

The Diocese of Owensboro issued the following statement on the investigation:

"On September 14, 2016 the Diocesan Review Board further explored the information that has been compiled and counseled the bishop that there was insufficient information to substantiate the allegation."

Fr. Byrd has also served at the following parishes in the Diocese of Owensboro: St. Stephen Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Owensboro (June 1988-June 1990), Dean of Students at Owensboro Catholic High School (May 1988- June 1990), Blessed Mother Parish in Owensboro (June 1990-June 1992), Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro (June 1997-June 1998), Blessed Mother Parish (June 1998-June 2008), and St. Peter of Antioch and Sacred Heart Parishes in Waverly (June 2008-June 2012).