Ex-trumbull Priest Removed after Credible Accusations of Abuse

By Daniel Tepfer
Connecticut Post
August 30, 2019

https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Ex-Trumbull-priest-removed-after-credible-14403128.php

Bridgeport - A Catholic priest has been placed on administrative leave after credible evidence was found that he abused a child 35 years ago, according to the Bridgeport Diocese.

“It is with deep regret that I must inform you that I have put Father Stephen Gleeson on administrative leave and have removed his faculties to exercise public ministry as a priest,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said in a letter to parishioners dated Aug. 24.

Gleeson retired on June 30, 2013, after nearly 50 years of service as a priest, most recently as the pastor of St. Stephen Parish in Trumbull. Caggiano said Gleeson is prohibited from any future ministry.

The bishop said his decision was made after the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board ruled that there is credible evidence of an incident of sexual abuse of a minor on the part of the priest more than 35 years ago.

No details of the abuse were released. Representatives of the St. Stephen Parish did not immediately respond to requests for comment.