Johnstown priest put on leave following sexual misconduct claims

By Crispin Havener
WJAC
September 21, 2019

https://wjactv.com/news/local/johnstown-priest-put-on-leave-following-sexual-misconduct-claims

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has placed a Johnstown priest on leave following accusations of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Reverend Matthew E. Misurda, Pastor of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish in the Woodvale section of Johnstown, has been with the parish since 2012 and has served at various parishes in the area dating back to 1977, the diocese said in a statement released Saturday.

The claims, according to the diocese, date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s and have been reported to civil authorities.

While he is on leave, Father Misurda, 67, is not permitted to function publicly as a priest. The diocese said in their statement that anyone with information about child sex abuse should report it to law enforcement.