Case against Cleveland Priest, Accused of Trying to Pay for Sex, Is Bound over to County Court

By Ann Geyser
Newsnet5
October 15, 2013

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/cleveland_metro/case-against-cleveland-priest-accused-of-trying-to-pay-for-sex-is-bound-over-to-county-court

Rev. James R. McGonegal (Photo via St. Ignatius of Antioch)

The case against a local priest, accused of trying to pay for sex, has been bound over from Cleveland Municipal Court to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

The Reverend James McGonegal of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, at 10205 Lorain Ave., was in municipal court on Tuesday, charged with one count of soliciting sex.

According to Metroparks rangers, McGonegal offered an undercover ranger $50 for sex at Edgewater Park on Oct. 11.

After being arrested, McGonegal told officials he was HIV positive. He is now free on bond, but is on leave from his parish.

The Cleveland Catholic Diocese said his status is under review. It also said Father Gary Yanus, priest in residence at St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, will temporarily attend to the sacramental needs of the parish community.