FLORIDA
WEAR
[with video]
The pastor of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Walton Beach has been removed from his post after being accused of sexual abuse.
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee says Monsignor Michael Cherup has been accused of abusing a 15-year-old 20 years ago.
At that time, Cherup was assigned to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Pensacola.
The state attorney has described the alleged misconduct as being lewd and lascivious in nature, like “groping”.
The accusation has shaken up those who know Cherup and many others in the community.
Thomas Paul, who’s homeless, said, “I was very shocked, very surprised. I really don’t believe it.”
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