BishopAccountability.org

Advocate Group Protests Former Atlanta Priest

By Bernard Watson
CBS Atlanta
February 22, 2012

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/16981756/midwest-couple-drives-to-georgia-to-protest-priest


[with video]

ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -

Father Robert Poandl is a longtime Catholic Priest - but Judy Jones says he's also a child predator.

"It is clear that he is a danger to kids," said Jones, an Associate Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "He should not be put out there in these small parishes."

Last week Poandl, who was once assigned to the Archdiocese Atlanta, was relieved of his duties in Savannah after he was accused of sexual misconduct that allegedly took place nearly 30 years ago. It is the second allegation against the priest in three years. In 2010, a West Virginia judge dropped child molestation charges against Poandl because of procedural issues. Poandl maintains he is not guilty. SNAP said the church should not have allowed Poandl to continue working.

"It is totally inexcusable. If someone in a corporate environment had committed crimes within the corporation, not necessarily something that was going to be picked up by law enforcement, they would have been fired on the first offense, not the second offense," said Steven Spaner, who is with SNAP.

The Catholic church says it's investigating the latest accusations. It has also released a statement that says in part...

"Father Poandl was relieved of his ministry assignment as pastor of Glenmary Missions in Georgia and asked to return to the Glenmary residence in Cincinnati. He arrived on Feb. 13, and has since been in residence. He is not allowed to publicly function as a Catholic priest during the investigation."
SNAP said it's concerned there could be more victims.

"We are urging anyone with knowledge or who has been harmed by Father Poandl to please contact police," said Jones.




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