TULSA — A Tulsa priest has been placed on Administrative Leave by the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.
In a statement released by Harrison Garlick, Chancellor and in-House Counsel, it was stated:
"As the head of the Diocese of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma, Bishop Konderla is fully committed to the Policies & Procedures for the Protection of Children & Young People. As part of that commitment, Bishop Konderla has placed Father Joe Townsend, a priest of the Diocese, on administrative leave due to a non-frivolous allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor."
According to the statement, Father Joe Townsend is presumed innocent. He is fully cooperating with the investigation and denies all allegations of misconduct.
The Diocese is asking anyone with knowledge or concerns to come forward at this time.
Persons are invited to contact local law enforcement and call the diocesan Pastoral Hotline at 918-307-4970.
Callers to the hotline may leave messages anonymously, if preferred.
The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma say that out of respect for the accused and the alleged victim, no further details will be released until the investigation is complete.
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