The Catholic Diocese of Owensboro has temporarily suspended a priest after he was accused of sexually abusing a child in the 1980s.
Fr. Joseph Edward Bradley was principal of Owensboro Catholic High School when the alleged abuse took place.
The diocese says it became aware of the allegation on Tuesday and immediately notified the Commonwealth Attorney’s office and the Diocesan Review Board.
The diocese says it's following its Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures, which include placing the accused on administrative leave and conducting an internal investgation.
Bradley has served as a pastor at five area parishes, according to the diocese. He’s been a volunteer chaplain at Owensboro Catholic since he retired from public ministry in 2011.
"Our policies require that any priest accused of inappropriate conduct with a minor be suspended to assure the safety of children and youth," Owensboro Bishop William Medley said in a statment. "Our commitment is to take seriously any allegation brought to us while at the same time affording Fr. Bradley a presumption of innocence until more information is available."
