Harrisburg's Roman Catholic Diocese places priest on leave after allegation of "adult misconduct"
A priest who serves as a top administrator in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg has been placed on leave while an investigation of “adult misconduct” is completed. The Very Rev. David Danneker most recently served as vicar general and moderator of the curia, which is the Bishop’s top deputy charged with overseeing diocese operation. He is also listed as pastor of the Prince of Peace parish church in Steelton.
In a statement released Friday, the diocese said it received an allegation of
“adult misconduct made against Rev. Danneker. While this matter does not involve a child, we are taking the accusations seriously. Accordingly, a full investigation, conducted by an outside third party, has been launched to review the matter.” The diocese said the allegation centers on a relationship between Danneker and an adult female, and that the firm conducting the investigation has no ties to the diocese.
Adult misconduct is a broad term that, in the church, has encompassed behaviors ranging from inappropriate speech, to sexual harassment, to a sexual relationship that would be outside the bounds for priests.
A diocesan spokesman told PennLive the allegation under review here came to the diocese’s attention from the adult female involved. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said this week that diocesan officials also briefed his office on the case, but that to this point there is no indication of criminal activity.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/07/harrisburgs-roman-catholic-diocese-places-priest-on-leave-after-allegation-of-adult-misconduct.html
