Priest placed on leave for sexual misconduct

Dayton Daily News/August 19, 2006

Shandon — Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk is to address parishioners at St. Aloysius Catholic Church today concerning allegations of sexual misconduct involving their pastor, Father David F. Reilly.

The archdiocese placed Reilly, 63, on administrative leave Thursday stemming from a report that he engaged in inappropriate behavior with "sexual overtones" involving a minor in the 1970s.

Archdiocese spokesman Dan Andriacco said administrative leave is the strongest step a diocesan bishop can take on his own, noting a priest on such a sanction may not celebrate the sacraments, engage in priestly ministry or present himself as a priest in any way.

An adult male reported to the archdiocese that Reilly engaged in inappropriate contact with him when the complainant was 13 or 14, Andriacco said.

An inquiry by a private investigator retained by the archdiocese will continue.