Diocese Suspends Pastor After Sexual Abuse Allegations

ABC News
June 14, 2016

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/diocese-suspends-pastor-sexual-abuse-allegations-39845731

The Catholic Diocese of Owensboro has suspended a pastor after allegations that he sexually abused a juvenile in the 1980s.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer ( http://bit.ly/1topael ) reports that the diocese suspended the Rev. Freddie Byrd after being notified of the allegation June 2. The Diocesan Review Board reviewed the complaint and recommended the suspension.

The diocese said in a statement Monday that the complaint accused Byrd of engaging in inappropriate conduct with a then-17-year-old in 1983. Byrd was not a priest at the time. Diocese spokeswoman Tina Kasey says the diocese has no connection with the alleged incident.

The diocese added that it is conducting its own investigation and has alerted law enforcement about the allegations.

Kentucky State Police Public Information Officer Corey King says authorities aren't conducting an investigation.