Staff REPORT

Staff REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — More allegations of sexual misconduct have been lodged against a former diocesan priest.

The Diocese of Youngstown said two more people have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct against the Rev. Thomas Crum. The victims’ names, ages and genders are being withheld to protect anonymity.

The diocese is urging any person who has been abused by a member of the church to contact the victim assistance coordinator at (330) 744-8451, and civil authorities.

The Rev. John Jerek, director of the Office of Campus Ministry with the diocese, could not be reached for comment Saturday night.

There are now three victims with allegations against Crum.

A first victim, who no longer lives in the area, contacted Bishop George V. Murry last month and claimed sexual assault by Crum while the priest was on the faculty at Cardinal Mooney High School in 1975 and 1976. The victim was then a minor and student at the school.

According to the diocesan Web site, Crum later admitted the allegations to church authorities, but it is unlikely Crum will face criminal charges since the statute of limitations had run out.

Crum has since been removed from his position as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Church in Canton and placed on administrative leave.

“He can’t return to the ministry ... under no circumstances at any time,” Bishop Murry said during a news conference June 9. “He knows this is for his own good.”

As part of his dismissal, Crum “cannot publicly celebrate the sacraments, wear clerical attire or present himself as a priest in good standing,” the Web site said.

According to the Web site, the information provided to the diocese has been handed over to local authorities, and the diocese is working with the alleged victims and their families to “extend outreach and reconciliation.”