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Pocono News Section
Retired Priest Arrested on Sex Charges in Susquehanna County
Retired Priest Arrested on Sex Charges in Susquehanna County - Friday, February 5, 2010 at 6:35PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Feb 5, 2010 @ 06:35pm EST
GIBSON TOWNSHIP, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY - A retired Episcoplian priest, who lives in Susquehanna County, was arrested on sex charges Friday afternoon.
Ralph Johnson, 82, is accused of sexually abusing a young boy over a four year period. It happened back between 1992 and 1995.
Johnson is a retired priest from St. Ann's Church in Afton, New York. That's north of Binghamton.
According to court papers, Johnson was a friend of the victim's family and would often have the victim over to his house for weekend sleepovers.
Neighbors like Rudy Testa say they're shocked that the sexual abuse allegedly happened in the home right across from him.
"I'm really surprised. I really am. This is the first I've ever heard of anything as I've said. He's been a pretty decent neighbor," Testa said.
State Police say Johnson's young victim was from New York State. In court papers, when being questioned, Johnson said he felt sorry for the boy because he was a hyper kid.
"I have two teenage kids myself, 19 and 20 now. I didn't think too much of them, as far as saying hi, how are you, or going over there and speaking with him," Testa said.
Investigators say the sexual abuse happened multiple times and always at Johnson's home.
The victim is now 29-years-old. There's no reason why the allegations are just coming to light.
"You don't know for sure who's next to you, or what people do behind closed doors," Testa said.
State Police don't know if there are any more victims. Johnson was arraigned on charges of indecent assault and corruption of minors. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail. | | |
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