BishopAccountability.org

Priest in New Jersey in Hot Water after Violating Order to Stay Away from Kids

By Al Stefanelli
God Discussion
May 22, 2013

http://www.goddiscussion.com/109958/priest-in-new-jersey-in-hot-water-after-violating-order-to-stay-away-from-kids/


The Rev. Michael Fugee, a fifty-two year old Priest, stood before a judge on 21 May 2013 to face charges for violating a court-ordered lifetime ban on working with children.

Bergen County investigators discovered that Fugee has heard confessions at youth retreats from minors on two occasions in 2010, and once again in 2012.

He was charged with seven counts of contempt of a judicial order, a 4th degree crime that carries a maximum prison sentence of eighteen 18 months.

Bergen County, NJ, Assistant Prosecutor Demetra Maurice who had authored the agreement in 2007, read seven counts that were levied against Fugee.

The agreement that Maurice made included an immediate and permanent cease and desist for Fugee to work with children as long as he remained in the priesthood.

No attorneys were present in the hearing, but more than a dozen reporters were there to watch the drama unfold while Fugee stood, arms and legs shackled, awaiting his fate.

Also present was Bob Hoatson, a former Priest in the Newark Archdiocese. Hoatson leads a group called 'Road to Recovery,' stated,

“I’m here to see a 10-year attempt to hold Fugee and the archdiocese accountable after they have been coddling him and moving him from place to place, and then arrogantly proclaiming he’s an innocent man. The review board that returned him to ministry should be disbanded, and we need a broom to sweep the archdiocese clean.”
The next step in the process takes the case to the Grand Jury, which will vote on whether or not to indict Fugee, who's bail is currently set at $25,000.

His actions led to the involvement of the Bergen County Prosecutor's 'Special Victims Unit,' which arrested him on Monday.

In 2001, Fugee admitted that he fondled the genitals of a teenage boy while wrestling with him. The church took action only by granting him a one month leave.

Newark Archbishop John J. Myers had also been implicated regarding how he handled Fugee’s case. His resignation was demanded by several politicians. Myers' conviction on a charge of criminal sexual contact with a minor was overturned on a technicality by an appellate panel in 2007.

Fugee admitted in 2001 to fondling the genitals of a teenage boy while wrestling with him. He was granted a leave from ministry this month but remains a priest in the archdiocese.




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