Former Priest to Face Preliminary Hearing

By Ryan Emerson
Your Erie
May 31, 2018

http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/former-priest-to-face-preliminary-hearing/1210079066

ERIE, Pa. - A former priest in the Erie Catholic Diocese is expected to appear in court today.

David Poulson, 64, is due in court for his preliminary hearing.

On May 8th, Poulson was arraigned in Jefferson county on felony counts of indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and the corruption of minors. At the time of his resignation, he was pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Cambridge springs.

When Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the charges, he said it was unconscionable that the Diocese of Erie knew of Poulson's alleged actions and allowed him to stay in ministry.

The diocese has fought back against that claim, with both Bishop Lawrence Persico and Bishop Donald Trautman issuing statements.

Since then, the diocese has received the statewide grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse. The report is expected to be released to the public by the end of next month.

David Poulson's preliminary hearing is set for 1:30PM in Brookville. According to court documents, Poulson remains in the Jefferson County Jail on $300,000 bond.