NEW JERSEY
WABC
NEWARK — The New Jersey priest who attended youth retreats and heard confessions from youngsters in defiance of a lifetime ban has resigned.
The Rev. Michael Fugee submitted his request and it was promptly accepted by Newark Archbishop John Myers on Thursday evening.
Archdiocese spokesman Jim Goodness tells The Star-Ledger of Newark Fugee remains a priest but no longer can say Mass, perform sacramental work or represent himself as an active member of the clergy.
The 52-year-old was convicted in 2003 of fondling a teenage boy. However, that verdict was vacated because of judicial error.
Fugee entered a program to avoid retrial and agreed to never again work with children.
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