BishopAccountability.org
	Abuse Allegations against Council Bluffs Priest By Shirley Ragsdale Des Moines Register [Des Moines IA] April 17, 2007 http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070417/NEWS/70417014/1001 The Diocese of Des Moines announced today that a priest serving at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs is being removed from the priesthood following credible allegations of child sexual abuse. Father Phillip Hobt, of the Diocese of Des Moines, has begun the process to voluntarily ask the Vatican for permission to leave the priesthood. At the same time, the diocesan Allegation Review Committee completed its investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor involving Father Hobt . The committee concluded the allegation was credible. The committee handed a recommendation to Bishop Joseph L. Charron before his retirement last week. Charron agreed to seek to remove Hobt from the priesthood. The allegation involving Hobt had been made with the Diocese of Des Moines in late January. After talking with law enforcement authorities and the chairperson of the diocesan allegation review committee, Charron placed Hobt on leave Feb. 1. The leave means he has been unable to function publicly as a priest. No charges have been filed by law enforcement authorities. Father Hobt was ordained in 1992. He served for three years at St. Augustin Parish in Des Moines. In 1995, he began serving at St. Albert Catholic Schools in Council Bluffs. Contact: sragsdale@dmreg.com
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