Author: rose

Priest booked for sexually assaulting 13-year-old boy at Jalna pilgrimage site

A priest was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor boy at a pilgrimage centre in Ghansawangi tehsil in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, a police official said on Sunday.

A case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for penetrative sexual assault and other offences was registered on February 18 against Jamb Samarth priest Nilesh Shashikant Kulkarni (28) on the complaint of the father of a 13-year-old boy, said Ghansawangi police station sub inspector AK Dhakne.

“Kulkarni, a resident of Donagaon in Paroda tehsil of Dharashiv district, is accused of luring the child with chocolates to his room and then sexually assaulting him. He also allegedly threatened the victim to not reveal the ordeal to anyone,” he added.

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Bishop of Lincoln, 68, is arrested for sexual assault and has been suspended from ministry after complaint was made

The Bishop of Lincoln has been arrested for sexual assault and suspended from the ministry following a safeguarding complaint.

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, 68, was detained on Thursday amid an ‘ongoing investigation’ into allegations of sexual violence, Lincolnshire Police confirmed.

The force’s enquiries concern claims a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025.

He has since been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

It came after a complaint – the exact nature of which is unknown – was made to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST) in late January.

The body is in charge of managing complex safeguarding cases, which involve several dioceses, and any implicating senior clergy, such as bishops or deans.

The Diocese of Lincoln confirmed on Friday the bishop had been suspended from the ministry while the NST responds to the complaint.

This is according to protocol outlined in the House of Bishops Code of Practice, which also involves informing ‘the appropriate statutory authorities’.

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway (pictured), 68, was detained amid an ‘ongoing investigation’ into allegations of sexual violence, Lincolnshire Police confirmed

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway (pictured), 68, was detained amid an ‘ongoing investigation’ into allegations of sexual violence, Lincolnshire Police confirmed

It comes days after the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally (pictured earlier this month), committed to taking safeguarding more seriously than the Church had done in the past.

It comes days after the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally (pictured earlier this month), committed to taking safeguarding more seriously than the Church had done in the past.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: ‘On Thursday, February 19, 2026, we arrested a 68-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault.

‘The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation following an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025.

‘The man has since been released on conditional bail.’

It came after a spokesperson for the Diocese of Lincoln said on Friday: ‘The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev Stephen Conway, has been suspended from ministry while a complaint made to the National Safeguarding Team is responded to according to House of Bishops Code of Practice.

‘This includes referral to the appropriate statutory authorities.’

No details of the complaint were given.

The Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will take up Conway’s duties during the suspension, they added.

The spokesperson continued: ‘Support is in place for those affected and there will be no further comment while the process is ongoing.

‘We understand that this will be a deeply unsettling time. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is available for anyone who wishes to contact them.’

Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, having previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury, in Wiltshire, and Bishop of Ely, in Cambridgeshire.

He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014, as one of the 26 so-called Lords Spiritual.

These are places in the upper chamber reserved for CofE archbishops and bishops.

Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally, has recently committed to taking safeguarding more seriously than the Church had done in the past, when she said it had ‘fallen tragically short’.

She told the General Synod last week: ‘Safeguarding is a fundamental, non-negotiable responsibility, sharpened by our past failings and shaped by the work we still have to do.

‘I am committed to bringing an approach of seriousness and focussed direction to all matters relating to safeguarding in all contexts in the church.’

Conway has been contacted for comment.

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Diocese of Buffalo priest facing second-degree harassment charge

Rev. Michael LaMarca is facing a second-degree harassment charge in connection with an incident that occurred in December 2025.

According to North Tonawanda police, on December 23, 2025, police responded to the home of the complainant, who said that while she was in church at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish earlier in the day and got into a verbal argument with LaMarca. She accused LaMarca of grabbing her by both arms and pushing her against a counter.

Police said the complainant reached out to file charges the next day and a warrant for second-degree harassment was applied for.

On January 9, 2026, LaMarca turned himself in to NTPD and was arraigned in the North Tonawanda City Court.

The Diocese of Buffalo reached out to 7 News with the following statement:

“The Diocese of Buffalo is aware of a matter involving Father Michael LaMarca. The Diocese is gathering and examining all available information. We understand that Father LaMarca was never arrested. Father LaMarca was served with a simple appearance ticket, and he pleaded ‘not guilty’ to a single non-criminal violation. The Diocese is committed to its teachings and to upholding Christiana and Catholic values. To that end, the Diocese will allow this matter to be handled in Court and will fully cooperate with law enforcement.”

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Camden Diocese Adds $180 Million for Clergy Abuse Survivors in Final Bankruptcy Settlement

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, has reached a new agreement to contribute an additional $180 million to a compensation trust for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, marking what church officials describe as the final resolution of its long-running bankruptcy case.

The new funding comes after a Chapter 11 reorganization plan was approved in March 2024 that had already established an $87.5 million settlement pool for abuse claimants. The expanded agreement was negotiated with a committee representing more than 300 survivors and remains subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey.

According to the diocese, the trust will be financed by a combination of diocesan assets, parish contributions and payments from several insurance carriers.

Camden Bishop Joseph A. Williams issued a public statement acknowledging the harm suffered by survivors and thanking them for coming forward. He described their willingness to speak out as an act of courage and expressed remorse on behalf of church leadership, calling the abuse a serious betrayal of trust.

Attorneys representing the official committee of tort claimants welcomed the agreement. Jeffrey D. Prol of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, counsel to the survivors’ committee, said the new settlement amount is significantly larger than the $26 million initially proposed when the diocese first filed its reorganization plan in 2021. He credited the survivors’ persistence over several years of negotiations and litigation.

The road to the agreement was marked by disputes with insurers. Before confirming the 2024 Chapter 11 plan, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jerrold N. Poslusny Jr. rejected earlier versions after insurance companies argued that their contractual rights were not adequately protected. At one point, the judge paused implementation of the plan to prevent actions that could undermine pending appeals.

In 2025, both the diocese and the survivors’ committee sought to lift the automatic stay in the bankruptcy case, arguing that ongoing appeals were delaying compensation. They noted that mediation efforts with insurers had repeatedly failed. Insurers opposed lifting the stay, asserting that the court lacked authority over matters under appeal and that ending the pause would not meaningfully advance settlement talks.

Despite those earlier standoffs, negotiations eventually resumed, culminating in the newly announced $180 million agreement.

John Collins, chair of the survivors’ committee, said the settlement represents meaningful accountability, even though financial compensation cannot erase the trauma endured. He emphasized that the committee’s priority throughout the bankruptcy process was to ensure that survivors’ interests remained central to the proceedings.

The bankruptcy case, originally filed in October 2020, was brought under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. The diocese sought court protection as it faced hundreds of abuse claims following changes in state law that expanded the time period for filing lawsuits.

If approved, the revised trust structure would bring total compensation funding to well over a quarter of a billion dollars, significantly increasing the resources available to survivors.

The court’s review of the updated settlement is expected to determine the next steps in finalizing distributions to claimants.

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See SNAP press release

Former worship pastor facing multiple sexual assault charges

A worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was terminated after being arrested Monday night on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a juvenile, according to a statement from the church.

Kentucky State Police troopers with Post 16 in Henderson arrested David A. Rodgers, 40, of Utica at 7:35 p.m. Monday following an investigation that revealed he had “engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile through a position of special trust.”

The church issued a statement on Tuesday concerning the arrest.

“On the evening of February 16, 2026, church leadership was made aware of sexual assault allegations against David Rodgers, who was serving as Worship Pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations. The church takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously, and we ask that you join us in prayerfully awaiting information regarding this ongoing legal matter.”

The statement also said, “Effective immediately the staff member has been terminated and prohibited from participating in church-sponsored functions.”

A citation obtained Tuesday morning by The Owensboro Times says that KSP “received a complaint about a sexual relationship between (Rodgers) and a juvenile at the time of the offense” and that Rodgers “came into contact with the juvenile through a position of special trust.”

The citation says during the investigation, Rodgers “was taken into custody, was mirandized and agreed to be interviewed. In the interview, (Rodgers) confessed to the listed offenses.”

Rodgers was charged with third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy involving a position of authority, first-degree sexual abuse, procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of 12, according to KSP.

He is being held on $75,000 full cash bond with an arraignment scheduled for Wednesday morning.

KSP Public Information Officer Corey King told the Owensboro digital newspaper that KSP initially received the complaint around the start of January 2026, but the incidents are alleged to have begun about 10 to 11 years ago and continued for about four to five years.

The church leadership learned of the charges Monday night.

“We understand that for sexual assault survivors, this may initiate feelings of pain and past trauma,” the church said in a statement. “Please know we are praying for you and your continued healing.

“Pleasant Grove has always taken the physical, spiritual, and emotional safety of those on our campus, especially our children, with the utmost concern and that continues to remain of primary importance.”

Rodgers, who was ordained into the gospel ministry in 2008, was removed from the staff page on Pleasant Grove’s website early Tuesday morning.

He was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Child pornography charges laid against catholic vice-principal from Cambridge

Waterloo Regional Police badge. (WRPS)

A 50-year-old man from Cambridge was placed under arrest on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Michel Pleau, who is currently a vice-principal for the Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board is facing numerous charges in connection to the investigation.

Regional police have confirmed that the offenses he’s been charged with do not involve any students from the Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board.

The school board has released a statement following the arrest, where they confirm none of their students are effected.

The statement goes on to read “As this matter proceeds through the legal system, we will continue to cooperate fully with police and remain focused on supporting our school community. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”

Pleau has been charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material
  • Making Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material
  • Distribution of Child Sexual Assault and Exploitation Material
  • Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child
  • Invitation to Sexual Touching
  • Luring a Child Under 16 Years

The investigation is part of a partnership between Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Cybercrime – Internet Child Exploitation Unit as well as the Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit, and had assistance from the Toronto Police Service as well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 519-570-9777, extension 8492, or 705-675-9171.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service, Greater Sudbury Police Service, and Toronto Police Service are members of the Ontario Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

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Quebec priest charged with sexually assaulting a teenager

Léandre Lapointe, 63, accused of sex crimes against at least one child. Photo provided by the SQ

A Quebec priest has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor, police say.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said its major crimes unit arrested Léandre Lapointe, 63, of Beauceville, at his home.

A charge sheet shows that he is facing four counts of sexual exploitation and two counts of sexual assault of a teenager “while he was in a position of authority or trust.”

The court record alleges the abuse took place on several occasions between Oct. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011.

Lapointe appeared in court in Val d’Or and was released pending further proceedings.

“The offenses were allegedly committed in several areas of the region while the suspect was working as a priest,” including in the towns of Macamic and Val-d’Or, in Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, the SQ said in a news release on Thursday.

“The investigation suggests that there may be other victims.”

Police did not release any additional details.

People can report sexual offences to police by contacting the Criminal Information Centre online, calling 1-800-659-4264, emailing cic@surete.qc.ca, or visiting their local police department.

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Edmonton deacon charged with sexual assault, sexual interference

A former deacon has been accused of sexual assault and sexual contact with a child during his time as a church leader in central Edmonton.

Frezghi Zerezghi, 48, has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference. The latter charge means he is alleged to have touched a person under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose.

At the time of the assault, Zerezghi was serving as a deacon at an Edmonton church, according to a news release from the Edmonton Police Service.

Police have declined to name the congregation where Zerezghi served as church leader or provide more details on when he was removed from his post.

Police said the accused, during his time as a deacon, used a church in the area of 121st Avenue and 103th Street, just north of downtown, for weekly sermons.

Police said investigators have reason to believe others may have been victimized by Zerezghi and are encouraging them to come forward.

Anyone who believes they or their child may have been victimized by the accused is asked to contact Edmonton police.

Zerezghi was arrested on Dec. 12, 2025, but has signed a court undertaking and been released on conditions, police said.

He is due in the Edmonton Court of Justice on Feb. 24.

Court records show the alleged assault and sexual touching took place on November 29, 2025. The identity of the victim is protected by court-ordered publication ban.  According to court staff, he has no previous criminal record.

Police believe there may be more victims of church leader.

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California Franciscans Announce $20 Million Abuse Settlement

The Franciscan Friars of California announced a bankruptcy filing in 2024 ‘to address 94 child sexual abuse claims.’

The Franciscan Friars of California have announced a $20 million settlement with alleged abuse victims, with the eight-figure payout coming after the group filed for bankruptcy several years ago.

The friars announced in 2024 that they had filed a Chapter 11 petition “to address 94 child sexual abuse claims.”

The order said at the time that the dozens of claims came about due to California state laws that “allowed abuse survivors to file decades-old complaints that were otherwise time-barred or expired under the state’s statute of limitations.”

In a Feb. 4 filing, the friars said they had agreed to deposit $20 million into a trust for alleged victims of abuse. In a press release, the law firm of Lowenstein Sandler — which has represented the abuse victims in the case — said the settlement is “the culmination of over 13 months of mediation among roughly 15 parties.”

The California friars are “the first California-based religious entity to have filed for bankruptcy after the California statute of limitations was revived … to announce a settlement between the debtor and survivors of sexual abuse,” the law firm said.

Most accused friars deceased; abuse occurred decades ago

The friars when announcing the bankruptcy said that all of the alleged abuse at issue in the settlement “occurred at least 27 years ago,” with some dating back to the 1940s.

“Almost all of” the claims were filed in California, and “most of the friars named in the claims” are deceased.

“Of the six living friars, all have been long-removed permanently from all public ministry and ministerial environments and are living under strict third-party supervision,” the friars said at the time.

The Chapter 11 filing was “the only viable path to ensuring just, equitable, and compassionate compensation for all abuse survivors,” Father David Gaa, OFM, said in 2024.

“A process supervised by the bankruptcy court can resolve a multitude of claims efficiently, in a timely manner, and with equity,” the priest added.

The Feb. 4 filing says that the friars will retain ownership of multiple real estate holdings, including the Gibson Mine, a historic copper ore site the Franciscans received as a donation in 1969. The friars engaged in an extensive environmental remediation effort at the mine in the early 2000s.

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