A Pennsylvania priest was removed from the ministry after being accused of sexually abusing a minor.
Father Robert J. Potts, the pastor of St. Ursula Church, Fountain Hill in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is accused of sexually abusing a minor in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Potts, 82, allegedly abused the victim while he was pastor of the former St. George Parish, Shenandoah.
The accusation was made recently to the administrators of the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program who then notified the Diocese of Allentown. The program was established by the Diocese to provide compensation for abuse victims.
Father Potts was immediately removed from the ministry after the allegation surfaced and police were notified, according to a spokesperson with the Diocese.
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Potts worked at the following churches during the following years:
Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe: 1964-1965
St. Joseph, Easton: 1965-1966
St. Vincent de Paul, Minersville: 1966-1967
St. Ann, Lansford: 1967-1969
Notre Dame, Bethlehem: 1969-1970
St. Vincent de Paul, Minersville: 1970-1978
St. Bernard, Easton: 1978-1979
Sacred Heart, New Philadelphia: 1979-1985
St. George, Shenandoah: 1985-2004
Added to assignment: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Shenandoah: 1986-2004
Added to assignment: St. Stephen, Shenandoah: 2001-2004
St. Mary, Ringtown and St. Joseph, Sheppton: 2004-2006
St. Ursula, Fountain Hill: 2006-Present
If you’re aware of any incidents of abuse by Potts, call the State Child Line at 1-800-932-0313, the Diocese of Allentown’s Victim Assistance Coordinator at 1-800-791-9209 or local law enforcement.
