Priest who served at Mooney, Warren, Boardman admits allegation, is removed

YOUNGSTOWN — A priest who once served on the faculty of Cardinal Mooney High School has resigned from his Canton parish over an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor.

The Youngstown diocese said Saturday that Bishop George V. Murry has placed the Rev. Thomas Crum on administrative leave over the allegation of abuse that occurred more than 30 years ago.

The allegation surfaced last week, said the Rev. John Jerek, spokesman for the diocese. He said the bishop met with “the person who’d been abused.”

Father Crum admitted the allegation to church authorities and resigned immediately as pastor of Our Lady of Peace parish, the diocese said.

“He cannot publicly celebrate the sacraments, wear clerical attire or present himself as a priest in good standing,” the diocese said in a prepared statement.

Father Jerek said Father Crum is still a priest, but he could be defrocked later as the investigation continues.

He has served in parishes in Massillon, Warren, Youngstown, Boardman, Ravenna, Rootstown, Orwell, and Canton.

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