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CV NEWS FEED // A police investigation into a Tennessee parish pastor who was placed on leave after his diocese received a complaint of “boundary violations” has concluded.
According to WBIR, an NBC affiliate in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Diocese of Knoxville is still continuing its own internal investigation of Fr. Joseph Reed, as is the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. However, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office has cleared him of any allegations and said they were unsubstantiated. The Diocese reportedly said that the Knox County District Attorney also concluded an investigation.
WBIR reported that Fr. Reed had been placed on administrative leave by the Diocese in December, but that the exact reason for the allegation of “boundary violations” was unknown. Fr. Reed was placed on leave under the Diocese’s Safe Environment Policy, the outlet added.
“That policy defines the Church’s response to types of harassment, including sexual assault of minors and vulnerable adults,” WBIR reported.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Diocese informed state officials, prompting the other investigations. Fr. Reed was the pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School in Knoxville at the time.
The Diocese reportedly stated in a letter to the St. John Neumann community that it is “committed to reaching a swift resolution in the coming weeks and will continue to provide updates to the St. John Neumann community.”
WBIR reported that the Diocese’s internal investigation of the complaint will eventually be presented to the Diocesan Review Board for examination and recommendations for further proceedings. The Diocese was unable to provide an exact timeline of its investigation.
