Missoula Priest Removed for Inappropriate Contact with Woman

Associated Press
October 15, 2019

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-priest-removed-for-inappropriate-contact-with-woman

Rev. Rich Perry was relocated to the Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, California, a retirement community for church leaders accused of misconduct. Photo: NBC Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. — A Missoula priest has been removed from his parish after acknowledging he had inappropriate contact with a woman.

The Missoulian reported Tuesday the Rev. Rich Perry was relocated to the Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, California, a retirement community for church leaders accused of misconduct.

The Rev. Joseph Carver, the pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish, said the woman came forward on Oct. 2, Perry was confronted the same day and was relocated to California on Oct. 7. Perry is a former pastor of the church and has been an associate pastor in recent years.

Carver says the allegations have not been reported to police because it wasn't illegal contact. Church officials say none of the allegations involve minors.

Perry did not respond to emails from the Missoulian seeking comment.