Pittsburgh-Area Priest on Leave in Facebook Probe

WFMJ
May 30, 2012

http://www.wfmj.com/story/18654131/pittsburgh-area-priest-on-leave-in-facebook-probe

SEWICKLEY, Pa. (AP) - Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik says a parish priest has taken a leave of absence while prosecutors review a complaint that the priest allegedly posted messages to a minor on Facebook.

Zubik says Allegheny County prosecutors have determined the postings amount to "poor judgment" rather than "criminal activity" and that he hopes the Rev. Daniel Valentine will return to duty soon with St. James Catholic Church in Pittsburgh's upscale suburb of Sewickley.

A spokesman for the district attorney's office confirmed the diocese had referred the case for investigation, but wouldn't comment further.

The Beaver County Times (http://bit.ly/JPv7F6 ) reports Wednesday that church officials are performing a forensic audit on computers owned by the church and the priest, who is cooperating with the investigation.

Valentine has been a priest since 1974. He could not immediately be located for comment.

Information from: Beaver County Times, http://www.timesonline.com/