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Allentown Diocese priest pleads guilty to indecent assault, faces 2 years in jail
By Laurie Mason Schroeder
An Allentown Diocese priest faces up to two years in jail after admitting in Lehigh County Court on Monday that he groped a 17-year-old Allentown Central Catholic High School student and sent her nude photos. The Rev. Kevin Lonergan, 31, of Pottsville also will be a registered sex offender under Megan’s Law for at least 15 years. He’ll be sentenced in about 90 days and remains free on $50,000 unsecured bail. Lonergan was charged in August 2018 with indecent assault and corruption of minors, just days after the release of a statewide grand jury report that outlined widespread clergy abuse. Lonergan and the teen met at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Allentown. Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said Lonergan sent the teen at least two nude photos through the Snapchat app, and grabbed her buttocks in a church hallway following a confirmation service. Lonergan pleaded guilty to indecent assault, a misdemeanor, before Judge Maria L. Dantos. The plea occurred just before a jury was to be seated for Lonergan’s trial. Falk praised the victim, referred in court as “Jane Doe,” for speaking up about the abuse. “I think Jane Doe is very brave for coming forward. It’s amazing that she was able to do that,” Falk said. Lonergan did not testify and declined to comment as he left the courtroom with his attorney. Following the hearing, the diocese issued a statement: “The Diocese offers its heartfelt prayers to the victim, to her family, and to everyone who was hurt as the result of Father Lonergan’s actions. "From the beginning of this case, the Diocese followed its protocols to the letter, and will continue to do so. Bishop Alfred Schlert removed Father Lonergan from ministry and immediately notified law enforcement on the day the allegations were made. "The Diocese considers itself a partner with law enforcement in preventing abuse and keeping children safe, and as such, it thanks District Attorney Martin and all law enforcement officials who have been involved. "As always, the Diocese urges anyone who has information about incidents of abuse to contact the State Child Line at 1-800-932-0313 or to call local law enforcement.” Diocese spokesman Matthew Kerr said Lonergan’s future in the church is still up in the air. “The bishop will seek the guidance of the Vatican on the next step in the process, because the Vatican makes the final decision. Either way, he will not return to ministry,” Kerr said. Contact: lmason@mcall.com
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