OHIO PRIEST PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO ROANE CHARGES

(02/13/2010)
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.