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Central NY Priest On Leave While Abuse Claim Is Investigated

Inside St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bellevue, Iowa, a town formed in 1837 along the Mississippi and one of the oldest communities in the state.
Phil Roeder | Flickr

 

A Catholic priest in central New York has been placed on leave while the Diocese of Syracuse investigates an allegation of abuse of a minor from nearly three decades ago.

The Rev. Paul Angelicchio pastor of St. John the Baptist and Transfiguration parish in Rome, wrote a statement to the church community last month that said he was taking a leave of absence.

The diocese released more details regarding Angelicchio on Wednesday, confirming that he's been accused of abusing a minor 27 years ago.

A statement from diocese officials noted that although the allegation hasn't been substantiated, Angelicchio has been temporarily barred from publicly functioning as a priest until the investigation concludes.

The Rome native came home in 2011 after serving as a pastor in Syracuse for eight years.

Diocese and Angelicchio couldn't be reached for comment.

©2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.