Diocese probes claim of sex abuse

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus is investigating an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a longtime priest, who has been put on administrative leave.

The diocese says it received an allegation July 2 accusing the Rev. Thomas Brosmer of abuse while he worked at a Zanesville parish between 1969 and 1973, when he also taught at a high school. The diocese says the allegation was recently reported to the Muskingum County Children Services and then the Zanesville police.

The diocese didn’t release details of the complaint but says it’s the first such allegation it has received about the 68-year-old priest. He most recently worked at churches in the Columbus area.

A message seeking comment was left Friday with Brosmer’s attorney.