Sexual abuse allegation against priest

WOWT News, Omaha NE/February 4, 2007

A Council Bluffs priest has been placed on leave and law enforcement officials have been notified about an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The claim is being made by a former student of St. Albert schools against Father Phillip Hobt.

Hobt has been a religion teacher at St. Albert for the past 12 years.

The president of the school says no formal charges have been filed but they want parents and students to know about the allegation.

St. Albert President Brian Osborne says, "There is sort of a cautious optimism. People love the man and hope this is not true."

Osborne says the alleged incident did not happen in Iowa.

While the allegation is being investigated, Fr. Hobt cannot function publicly as a priest.