By Staci Wilson
Times-Tribune
February 5, 2010
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/priest-faces-sex-charges-over-decade-old-incident-1.599619
GIBSON (PA) -- An 82-year-old, retired Episcopal priest, now living in Gibson, was charged Friday with sex charges in Susquehanna County for incidents that occurred more than a decade ago.
The Rev. Ralph Johnson, 82, was arrested Friday by state police for sexual conduct with a boy from 1992 to 1995 at his 82 Church Road, Gibson Twp., home.
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| State police lead retired Episcopal priest the Rev. Ralph Johnson, 82, into the Gibson Barracks on Friday after sexual abuse charges were filed against him in Susquehanna County. Photo by STACI WILSON |
Trooper John Oliver charged the Rev. Johnson with 15 counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and corruption of minors.
The Windsor, N.Y., victim, now 29, was between the ages of 11 and 15 during the time of the alleged abuse.
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| State police lead 82-year-old, retired Episcopal priest Ralph Johnson into the Gibson Barracks for processing after sexual abuse charges were filed against him in Susquehanna County on Friday. Photo by STACI WILSON |
The Rev. Johnson reportedly served as the priest at St. Ann's in Afton, N.Y., at the time. St. Ann's is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York.
A call to the diocese was not returned, but an Internet news service, VirtueOnLine, reported in 2007 that the Rev. Johnson had renounced his orders from the Episcopal priesthood when allegations of misconduct came forward.
Trooper Oliver said the victim came to police about the incidents. The victim said he had been scared to notify law enforcement, police said.
The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.
Trooper Oliver said he did not know if there were any other victims.
The Rev. Johnson declined to comment on his arrest when questioned as he was led in and out of the Gibson police barracks. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Suzanne Brainard, Clifford. Bail was set at $50,000 unsecured.
A preliminary hearing for the Rev. Johnson has been set for Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m. before Judge Brainard.
Contact: edtwo@epix.net
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