Philly Priest Accused of Child Sex Abuse

By David Chang
NBC 10
May 26, 2013

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Philly-Priest-Accused-of-Child-Sex-Abuse-209004721.html


A Philadelphia priest has been placed on leave following allegations of child sex abuse.

Reverend James Collins, 74, is accused of sexually abusing a minor over 40 years ago., according to the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Collins has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a police investigation. The Archdiocese says his case is not connected to the February 2011 Grand Jury Report which followed an investigation into accusations that two priests and a teacher sexually abused a 10-year-old boy while another priest sexually abused a 14-year-old boy.

The Archdiocese says they immediately contacted police after they received the allegations against Collins. 

The announcement was made at the Saint Martha Parish where Collins was living. Collins did not have any formal duties at the parish, did not assist at masses and did not make any visits to the school, according to the archdiocese.

Collins was ordained in 1964 and had served as a faculty member at Holy Family University since 1976. He retired from his position earlier this year. Collins has not been criminally charged. The Archdiocese says the District’s Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the abuse accusation against him.