Monday, 25 October 2021 07:03

Priest faces sex crime charges in Monroe County

Author: Rose Itzcovitz (WNEP)
Published: 5:49 PM EDT October 24, 2021
Updated: 5:49 PM EDT October 24, 2021
Facebook Twitter
CRESCO, Pa. — "These things are unpredictable, you never know what it happens," said Estelle Yessoh, Pocono Farms.

Churchgoers had just come out of Sunday morning mass, where they learned their pastor had been arrested.

"I hope it's not true because nothing like that should be happening," said Marie Herd of Tobyhanna.

According to court records, Pastor Gregory Loughney was arrested Friday.

The four charges filed include criminal attempt of statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors.

"It is really sad to hear it, but we are all human, and as a Christian, we always say, you know, we get tempted by the devil," said Yessoh.

At Most Holy Trinity Parish, parishioners say the priest has been a part of their church family for years.

"The parish is really supportive to the family, and we also have to say the prayer for the priest because no matter what, it's still a human being that went through things," Yessoh said.

"Father Gregory, he's very, very nice. I don't know what's going on, what happened," added Herd.

A couple of mothers who say they've been going to the church for years say this priest is a conscientious and loving person who built their sons' faith up from a young age.

In a statement, the Diocese said, in part:

"Under its longstanding zero-tolerance policy, the Diocese of Scranton immediately removed Father Loughney from active ministry pending the outcome of the investigation."

And at Sunday mass, members say the priest read that statement while delivering the day's sermon.

"That transparency, I would say, give us some type of safe feeling, that nothing is hidden from us and that we are protected no matter what," Yessoh said.

Police have not yet released the details of the charges against Father Loughney.

"Whatever it is, it's in the hand of God, God will be watching everything, will help everybody," Herd said.

Loughney is due back in court on November 4.

source

 

The Video:

News:

 

Update - Related Article:

Priest charged with attempted statutory sexual assault on child younger than 16

Monroe County priest charged with child sex abuse after falling for 'predator catcher' set up

 

Last modified on Wednesday, 24 August 2022 16:08

Featured Events

24 Apr 2025
06:00PM -
Zoning Hearing Board
24 Apr 2025
06:30PM -
Zoning Hearing Board
Screenshot 2025-04-12 at 8.03.46 AM.png25 Apr 2025
Pocono Mountain West Presents: Mamma Mia
earth day.jpg26 Apr 2025
12:00PM - 04:00PM
Earth Day
bingo.PNG27 Apr 2025
01:00PM -
Bingo Fundraiser
01 May 2025
Rotary Scholarship Accepting Applications & Essays DEADLINE
clean-up.PNG03 May 2025
08:00AM - 12:00PM
Spring Clean Up
fire-co-sportsmans-raffle-2024.jpg25 May 2025
04:00PM - 05:00PM
Sportsman's Raffle (Fire Co)
05 Jun 2025
Citizen of the Year DEADLINE
summer craft fair.PNG14 Jun 2025
10:00AM - 03:00PM
Summer Craft Fair
total eclipse.PNG29 Jun 2025
05:00PM -
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE CHART
ConcertInThePark.PNG01 Jul 2025
04:30PM - 08:30PM
Concert In The Park
cabaret.PNG19 Jul 2025
07:30PM -
Cabaret Night
Tea & Symphony.PNG20 Jul 2025
04:00PM -
TEA & SYMPHONY
showcase.PNG25 Jul 2025
06:00PM -
The Room Where It Happens Performing Arts Camp Showcase
26 Jul 2025
10:00AM - 04:00PM
Grapevine Picnic
tropical rock.PNG16 Aug 2025
07:00PM -
Tropical Rock for Five O’Clock…Somewhere
annualGolfTournament.PNG14 Sep 2025
12:00PM - 06:00PM
Annual Golf Tournament
halloween.PNG19 Oct 2025
02:30PM - 05:00PM
Barrett Township Halloween Parade
skytop.jpg05 Nov 2025
2025 NYITCOM Wellness Summit: The Future of Healthcare

Social Media

 

Subscribe via Email

 

Facebook Groups
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of these Facebook pages or groups

 

 

Flag of the United States DoS ECA Color Standard.svg

Flag of the United States DoS ECA Color Standard.svg

Flag of the United States DoS ECA Color Standard.svg

Flag of Pennsylvania.svg 0 min