Grand Jury Could Hear Charge against Ohio Priest

The Press-News
October 15, 2013

http://www.the-press-news.com/ap%20state/2013/10/15/grand-jury-could-hear-charge-against-ohio-priest

A charge against a priest accused of soliciting sex at a Cleveland park has been bound over to another court for possible grand jury consideration.

A court official says the Rev. James McGonegal ((Muh-GAHN'-ee-gul) is charged with soliciting after a positive HIV test. McGonegal did not enter a plea Tuesday in Cleveland Municipal Court. The charge was bound over to Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County Common Pleas Court.

Police reports say McGonegal told authorities he has tested positive for HIV.

A message left for McGonegal's attorney wasn't immediately returned.

Authorities said McGonegal was arrested Friday after allegedly soliciting a park ranger who was in plainclothes.

A Catholic Diocese of Cleveland statement says the 68-year-old priest's status is under review and he has stepped away from parish duties to attend to personal matters.