5 Priests Philadelphia removed over allegations of sex

By David Chang, NBCPhiladelphia.comFive Philadelphia priests were removed and one was put on leave because of sexual abuse and misconduct allegations.Late on Sunday, the Archdiocese announced that the Reverend Michael. A. Chapman, Rev.  Stephen B. Perzan, the Reverend Peter J. Talocci, the Reverend Mark E. Fernandes, and the Reverend Joseph M. Glatts were removed from the Archdiocese. The withdrawals were the results of an investigation caused by the February 2011, report of the jury.Soon after, the Archdiocese announced that another priest was placed on leave because of allegations of sexual abuse. The Reverend John P. Paul, 67, was placed on administrative leave after several allegations were made that he sexually abused children for 40 years. However, the archdiocese said that its license not linked with the grand jury investigation.Chapman, 58, first was placed on leave in March 2011 for allegedly violating the standards of ministerial conduct and limits. A subsequent investigation found it suitable for the Ministry.But new allegations that he sexually abused a minor were recorded in may 2012 as he prepared to return to a parish of Philadelphia. The archdiocese said it immediately reported the claims to police and church officials later suspended the priest for a second time.Chapman was ordained in 1982 and served in several parishes and schools before his suspension, including St. Bonaventure, little flower High School and ascension of our Lord, Philadelphia.Perzan, 68, of the parish of Santa Elena in Philadelphia and Talocci, 54, of St. Patrick in Malvern, are also accused of sexually abusing a minor. However, the Review Board could not corroborate allegations of sexual abuse against her and in their place were removed for allegedly violating "rules of ministerial conduct and limits".Fernandes, 40, formerly of St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville and Glatts, formerly of Saints Simon and judge in West Chester, not accused of sexual abuse, but instead of violating Church rules.Other two priests, the Rev. Zachary W. Navit and Reverend Francis J. Schlett were cleared to return to their positions after the Review Board could not corroborate the accusations against her.Both late last year and early this year, the Archdiocese received allegations that the father Paul, 67, sexually abused children for 40 years when I was a seminarian. The Archdiocese disclosed allegations to the police which resulted in a long investigation.During the investigation, the Ministry of Paul was restricted and not allowed to have contact with any minor unattended. On November 6 this year, Paul resigned as pastor of the parish our Lady of Calvary, Philadelphia, where only had served since 2000.After his resignation, the Archdiocese says received new allegations that Paul child sexually abused 30 years ago. Then there were complaints to the public prosecutor of the district.The Archdiocese says that Paul will remain on administrative leave pending any action by law enforcement and an internal investigation is complete.