‘We are still transferring priests that molest children?’ judge asks in sentencing Allentown Diocese priest for groping 17-year-old girl

An Allentown Diocese priest will serve 1 to 2 years in state prison for groping a 17-year-old Allentown Central Catholic High School student and sending her nude photos.

The Rev. Kevin Lonergan, 31, of Pottsville also will be a registered sex offender under Megan’s Law for at least 15 years.

Lonergan’s sentence is the maximum allowed by law for his crime. It was revealed in court that Lonergan was transferred to Allentown in 2016 after a similar incident in another county in which he was accused of “hands-on molestation of a 15-year-old girl.“

That case was never prosecuted because the girl and her family refused to cooperate with law-enforcement\ufffc

Upon learning about the previous case, Lehigh County Judge Maria L. Dantos had strong words for the Catholic Church, noting that the practice of transferring troublesome priests has been known since the early 1980s.

“We are still transferring priests that molest children?” she asked, her voice raised\ufffc.

Lonergan pleaded guilty in November to indecent assault, a misdemeanor. He was charged in August 2018, just days after the release of a statewide grand jury report that outlined widespread clergy abuse. Lonergan was not one of the priests mentioned in the report.

Lonergan and the teen met at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Allentown. Chief Deputy District Attorney Matthew Falk said Lonergan sent the teen at least two nude photos through the Snapchat app, and grabbed her buttocks in a church hallway following a confirmation service.

When Lonergan pleaded guilty in November, church officials said his future was unclear.

“The bishop will seek the guidance of the Vatican on the next step in the process, because the Vatican makes the final decision. Either way, he will not return to ministry,” Diocese spokesman Matthew Kerr said.

This story will be updated.

Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com

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