CLEVELAND (OH)
Cleveland Leader

Published by Julie Kent on October 15, 2013

Rev. James McGonegal, 68, pastor at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church on Lorain Avenue in Cleveland for the past several decades, arrested last Friday after an off-duty Metroparks ranger in plain clothes caught him attempting to solicit sex at Edgewater Park. The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland issued a statement on Monday evening, and McGonegal was arraigned on Tuesday.

McGonegal did not enter a plea during his arraignment today. Instead, he waived a preliminary hearing, and his charges will be bound over to a grand jury. McGonegal faces charges of soliciting, public indecency and drug abuse.

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has issued a second statement on Monday concerning McGonegal, confirming that he is, at least for now, taking a step back from his duties.

The Diocese stated:

“The status of Fr. James McGonegal is under review. Fr…