CLEVELAND (OH)
The Plain Dealer

By Cory Shaffer | Northeast Ohio Media Group
on October 15, 2013

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The priest of a West Side Cleveland Catholic church suspected of soliciting for sex made his initial appearance in court Tuesday morning.

The Rev. James McGonegal, 68, held his head high, but did not speak in Cleveland Municipal Court or to Judge Marilyn B. Cassidy during his roughly 45-second arraignment on felony solicitation after an HIV-positive charges.

Through his attorney, Henry Hilow, McGonegal waived his right to a hearing, and his personal bond was continued. He and Hilow exited the courtroom. They declined to give statements.

McGonegal did not enter a plea. His case was sent to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, where it will likely be taken to a grand jury.