Priest accused of sex abuse seeks removal of tracking bracelet

Miami Herald/September 1, 2006
By Nikki Waller

The Rev. Neil Doherty, a now-retired Margate priest charged with sexually abusing a boy, wants court permission to change his residence and to have the ankle bracelet that tracks his daily movements removed. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday.

A hearing this morning before a Broward Circuit judge was held to check the progress of his case.

Judge Susan Lebow set another calendar hearing on Oct. 20. But the case returns to court Wednesday for arguments on motions for the defense and prosecution.

Doherty's attorney, David Bogenschutz, is requesting permission for Doherty to move from Lantana to Lake Worth and to have the ankle monitor removed. Prosecutor Dennis Siegel is seeking to restrict private investigations into the case.

Doherty, a former priest at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Margate, has been charged with sexually abusing the boy -- starting when he was 10 years old -- and continuing for several years, beginning in the 1990s. If convicted, he could face life in prison. He denies the allegations.

Several other alleged victims have filed civil suits against the Archdiocese of Miami, which oversees the church, contending that Doherty abused them.

Doherty, 64, is free on bond.