TULSA — The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma released investigation details on Tuesday about an allegation made against Father Joe Townsend.
According to a Memorandum, the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma says, "After a thorough investigation that was both victim-centered and respectful of the rights of the accused, Bishop Konderla, in agreement with the third-party investigators and in consultation with the Diocesan Review Board, a board of primarily lay persons, has found the allegations against Fr. Townsend to be unsubstantiated. The officials decree on this matter and this memorandum will be made public and posted on the diocesan website."
The Diocese of Tulsa officials say the allegation of sexual abuse against a minor stems from Townsend's time as an associate pastor at St. Pius X Catholic Church from 1988 to 1991.
Fr. Townsend is no longer on administrative leave and is able to exercise his public ministry at a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa, according to a Memorandum. Fr. Townsend will not be considered for a pastoral assignment until Summer of 2020.
The Diocese says they have notified law enforcement of the investigation findings and are committed to cooperating with civil authorities.
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