Records show priest was previously on leave for 3 years

PENNSYLVANIA
WJAC

by Lauren Petrelli and Ron Musselman

HOLLIDAYSBURG — A priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown was placed on leave from public ministry Wednesday.

Rev. Mark L. Bartchak, bishop of the diocese, said in a release that Rev. Anthony J. Petracca was placed on leave from public ministry.

The action comes after an accusation of misconduct involving a minor that allegedly occurred in the mid-1980s.

However, our 6 News team found church records that show this is not the first time Petracca had to take a leave of absence.

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