Oklahoma Diocese reveals timeline of priest’s alleged abuse

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – The Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma says that the alleged sexual misconduct by a priest involving a minor started shortly after the priest was ordained.
The Diocese said in a statement on Friday that “a non-frivolous allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor” against Father Joe Townsend dates to his time as associate pastor at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Tulsa from June 1988 to June 1991. The statement says Townsend denies the allegation and is cooperating with an investigation.
The Diocese website says Townsend was ordained on May 27th, 1988.
The Diocese announced on July 5th that Townsend had been placed on administrative leave.
The Diocese last year identified two other priests who were facing credible accusations of abusing minors. Both men are no longer associated with the Tulsa Diocese.