BishopAccountability.org
 
  Investigation Exonerates Former Sonora Priest

By Teresa Chebuhar
The Union Democrat
March 14, 2008

http://www.uniondemocrat.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=26063

The Rev. Michael Kelly was back at work at 9 a.m. today, after being exonerated by the Diocese of Stockton following an investigation of sex-abuse allegations.

It is not immediately known if Kelly, removed from his priestly duties last September, will assume his former role as pastor of St. Joachim in Lockeford, said Sister Terry Davis, director of communications for the Diocese of Stockton.

"I'm glad to hear that (about Kelly)," said Leon Casas Jr., parish administrator at St. Patrick's Church in Sonora where Father Kelly served for 10 years as pastor. "I'm supportive of the reinstatement."

The diocese hired a private investigator.

"His investigation did not reveal any evidence of sexual abuse on the part of Father Kelly," according to a statement issued this morning by Bishop Stephen Blair.

Contact Teresa Chebuhar at 588-4580 or tchebuhar@union-democrat.com.

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.