Trenton Diocese Suspends Priest over Online, Phone Activities, "Betrayal of Trust"

The Republic
October 3, 2013

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f84dcc47d5534a18917d0a69ff970785/NJ--Priest-Suspended

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton has suspended a priest for online and cellphone activities it says represented a "betrayal of trust."

Bishop David M. O'Connell announced Thursday the suspension of Rev. Matthew Riedlinger from all priestly ministry. Riedlinger had worked at St. Aloysius Church in Jackson until August of 2012.

Allegations had been made that he had sent sexually explicit messages to a person he believed to be an underaged boy. A church administrator said sexual conversations had even taken place while Riedlinger was receiving church-ordered counseling.

The diocese said it turned over all the information it has to prosecutors.

Church officials have said Riedlinger is now living out of state. A message to the diocese asking for an address to reach him was not immediately returned.