Ohio Diocese: Catholic priest under investigation kills himself

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Catholic diocese in Ohio says a parish priest under investigation for “questionable” communications with a minor and possible misuse of church funds has killed himself.

The Catholic Diocese of Columbus said in a statement today the Rev. James Csaszar killed himself Wednesday in Chicago. Father Csaszar was pastor of Church of the Resurrection in the Columbus suburb of New Albany.

The diocese’s statement says Father Csaszar was placed on administrative leave last month after officials learned of “excessive and questionable” text and phone communications with a minor and possible misuse of funds while pastor at St. Rose of Lima Parish in New Lexington, roughly 55 miles southeast of Columbus.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation opened its investigation of Father Csaszar after the diocese learned of the allegations and contacted New Lexington police.