A Middlesex County grand jury has declined to indict a Roman Catholic priest who had been accused of sexual misconduct, according to the Diocese of Metuchen.In a brief written statement released late today, the diocese said Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski had been informed of the finding.
A male employee of the diocese had initiated the accusation against the Rev. Edgardo D. Abano, 51, pastor of a church in Piscataway.
The diocese informed law enforcement authorities of the complaint.
Abano has been pastor of St. Frances Cabrini R.C. Church since 1992.
He was arrested on the charge in October 2007.
Abano, a priest since 1985, has served at various New Jersey parishes: in 1985 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Whitehouse Station, from 1985 to 1989 at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville, from 1989 to 1990 at Saints Philip and James Church in Phillipsburg, from 1990 to 1992 at Our Lady of Fatima in Piscataway, and from 1992 to the present at St. Frances Cabrini in Piscataway.
According to the diocese, Abano voluntarily took a leave of absence from his position as pastor and voluntarily agreed to have his priestly duties suspended.
Today's statement said that the bishop would meet with Abano and prepare a statement for the parish after reviewing the grand jury's findings. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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