ALLENTOWN (PA)
The Morning Call
Nov. 18, 2019
By Laurie Mason Schroeder
An Allentown Diocese priest faces up to two years in jail after admitting in Lehigh County Court Monday that he groped a 17-year-old Allentown Central Catholic High School student and sent her nude photos.
Rev. Kevin Lonergan, 31, of Pottsville also will be a registered sex offender under Megan’s Law for at least 15 years. He’ll be sentenced in about 90 days and remains free on $50,000 unsecured bail.
Lonergan was charged in August 2018 with indecent assault and corruption of minors, just days after a statewide grand jury report that outlined widespread clergy abuse.
Lonergan and the teen met at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Allentown. Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said Lonergan sent the teen at least two nude photos through the Snapchat app, and grabbed her buttocks in a church hallway following a confirmation service.
Longeran pleaded guilty to indecent assault, a misdemeanor, before Judge Maria L. Dantos. The plea occurred just before a jury was to be seated for Lonergan’s trial.
Falk praised the victim, referred in court as “Jane Doe,” for speaking up about the abuse.
“I think Jane Doe is very brave for coming forward. It’s amazing that she was able to do that,” Falk said.
Lonergan did not testify and declined to comment as he left the courtroom with his attorney.
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