Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Priest in Lansdale charged with harassment, indecent assault

http://media.philly.com/images/600*450/20131216_inq_ppriest16z-b.JPGRoman Catholic church officials say a priest in suburban Philadelphia has been arrested and charged with harassment and indecent assault.

The alleged conduct by the Rev. John Roebuck did not involve a minor, according to a statement from the Philadelphia archdiocese issued Friday.

A message left at Roebuck's parish office was not immediately returned. 


It's not clear if he has a lawyer.

Court records indicate the alleged incident took place Dec. 15. No other details were available.


Church officials call the charges "deeply troubling." The 64-year-old priest is on administrative leave from his job as parochial vicar at St. Stanislaus in Lansdale.


The archdiocese says it is cooperating with investigators. 


Lansdale police said no information about the case would be released until today (Monday).