UNITED STATES
Reno Register-Journal

Written by
Jaclyn O’Malley

The Reno man arrested in Denver for masturbating on a commercial air flight while viewing Internet pornography is a former priest from Texas, who was removed from his small parish there after he was accused of inappropriate behavior with a child, according to reports.

Daniel Michael Drinan was ordained in 1977 with the Eastern Province of Claretians and had served as a priest under the Austin (Texas) Diocese, according to the website BishopAccountability.org.

The Claretians headquarters in Chicago said Wednesday that Drinan is no longer a priest, and is no longer affiliated with their congregation. The headquarters referred further inquiries to a Claretians spokesperson, who did not immediately return a call Wednesday.

Austin Diocese communication director Christian Gonzalez did not immediately return a call Wednesday for comment.