IOWA
Daily Nonpereil
By Mike Bell
mbell@nonpareilonline.com
May 3, 2018
The Rev. Paul Monahan’s conviction on five counts of invasion of privacy was reversed Wednesday, as the Iowa Court of Appeals said the prosecution failed to show the complaining witnesses had a reasonable expectation of privacy in a public bathroom, among other findings.
Monahan declined to comment Thursday morning.
After the reversal was made public Wednesday, Monahan’s attorney, Dan McGinn, said in a statement they were pleased — but not surprised — by the unanimous decision by the court of appeals.
“The Court found the evidence did not support the conviction. Unfortunately, there is nowhere for Father Monahan to go to have his reputation restored,” McGinn said.
Diocese of Des Moines Bishop Richard Pates said he was pleased with the reversal.
“Along with Father Monahan, we are relieved that this decision has been reached and anticipate that Father will be fully reinstated to priestly ministry once the appeal process has been completed.”
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