Scranton priest charged.

An investigation conducted by a private investigator for the Diocese of Scranton has led to sexual assault charges against a priest who formerly served at Sacred Heart Church in Duryea.

The Rev. Albert M. Liberatore Jr., 40, was charged Monday with indecent assault and corruption of a minor after an altar boy alleged he was molested about two years ago inside an office at the University of Scranton, where Liberatore taught.

…Orzel said Liberatore has been a professor of theology at the university since July 2003. Before that he served as an administrator at Sacred Heart from July 1997 to July 1998, when he became the church’s pastor. He held that post until he left for the teaching position.

Previous to Sacred Heart, Liberatore was head of the faculty at St. Pius X seminary in Dalton, and also served as a pastor at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton and St. John the Evangelist church in Pittston

I found the process rather interesting…the diocese hears of this from a third party, the victim denies it, the diocese hires a private investigator, who then comes up with other evidence, including, finally, a statement from the victim. A bit of a change from the past.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad