OHIO PRIEST PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO ROANE CHARGES |
| (02/13/2010) |
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A Catholic priest from Cincinnati has pleaded not guilty to charges he sexually abused a 10-year-old boy he brought to Spencer in 1991. Robert F. Poandl entered his plea Friday in Roane County Circuit Court before Judge David W. Nibert. A trial is set for June 15. Poandl and his attorneys declined to comment following the hearing. The 68-year-old priest was indicted last month by a Roane County Grand Jury. A 28-year-old Cincinnati man told police that Poandl molested him during a visit to the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in August 1991. Poandl is charged with first-degree sexual assault, first-degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a custodian. Poandi is associated with the Glenmary Home Missioners, a religious society in Cincinnati. Glenmary officials have said Poandl was removed from his ministry assignment last year after they learned of the allegations.
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