Priest Accused of Sexual Misconduct Again

WCPO
August 23, 2012

http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/local_news/priest-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-again


A priest that was a member of the Glenmary Home Missioners, a Catholic society in Fairfield of priests and brothers who are dedicated to establishing a Catholic presence in rural areas and small towns of the United States, has been alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct for a second time.

Authorities allege that Father Bob Poandl was involved in an incident that took place in the 1980s in the diocese of Savannah, Georgia. A police report containing these allegations was filed on July 14 with the Union County (Ga.) Sheriff's Department.

Poandl had originally been accused in February of child sex abuse that occurred 30 years ago in West Virginia.

Poandl was brought back to Cincinnati and relieved of his duties following the first set of allegations, the charges of which were dismissed by a West Virginia judge. Poandl has been living at Glenmary's Cincinnati residence since then and has not been functioning as a priest.

"I have requested a copy of the July 14 police report," Father Artysiewicz, president of the Glenmary Home Missioners, said. "We have also been in contact with the district attorney in Blairsville, Ga., who was also not aware of the police report. Once I receive the report, Glenmary will begin a preliminary investigation. We don't know anything about the accuser at this time, but it's my hope that I can find a way to reach out to this person as soon as possible."

"Glenmary is committed, first and foremost, to making every possible effort to prevent misconduct by any of its members," Father Artysiewicz said. "And we also remain committed to facilitating healing for all those involved in any instances of sexual misconduct by providing an open, compassionate pastoral response."