Pocono News Section

Priest in Court on Sexual Assault Charges

Priest in Court on Sexual Assault Charges - Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Mar 9, 2010 @ 06:00pm EST
CLIFFORD, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- A retired Episcopilian Priest accused of sexually abusing two boys will face further court action. Father Ralph Johnson is almost 83-years-old. He was back in district court Tuesday afternoon.

Last month the retired priest was accused of sexually abusing a boy during a four year period in the 1990s. After that case hit the airwaves, another boy came forward saying Johnson also abused him several times. In return that boy got bubble gum and candy.

82-year-old Ralph Johnson walked out of district court in Clifford after waiving all of the sex charges against him onto trial. Johnson, who is a retired Episcopalian priest, is accused of sexually abusing at least two young boys.

State police say the crimes happened at Johnson's home on Church Road in Gibson Township. Defense attorney John Petorak says the next step for this case will either be a plea or trial.

“At this time, its a little early to decide but whatever is the easiest -- will be the route that is taken," he said.

According to court papers the sexual abuse started back in the 1990s. For both victims, it took place on multiple occasions. One was mentally disabled.

District Attorney Jason Legg declined to comment on the case. But attorney Petorak is researching if the statue of limitations has run out.

“The statue of limitations was just extended within the last couple of years to 50 years. Its the district attorney's position that it becomes retroactive," said Petorak.

Johnson worked at several churches in New York state and Pennsylvania before being arrested. With two victims just recently coming forward, we wanted to know, could there be more?

His attorney doesn't know. “That’s always a concern. I can't prevent it," he said.

Father Johnson is facing a slew of charges involving indecent assault and corruption of minors. They could land him behind bars for years. He remains free on unsecured bail.