The Diocese of Erie has removed from public ministry a priest who once served in Port Allegany and was an administrator in Emporium.
The diocese announced on Saturday that the Rev. Charles “Chuck” Schmitt was being removed from public ministry and from any contact with minors due to sexual abuse allegations. The move is effective immediately.
In 2006, Schmitt retired as pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Port Allegany, and since that time he has served for short periods as a temporary administrator in Emporium, Tidioute and Emlenton, according to the diocese.
The diocese indicated the decision to remove him from public service was prompted by a call made to its hotline regarding the alleged sexual abuse of a minor in the 1960s.
The location of the alleged abuse was not released.
Officials said the allegations were turned over to the Erie County district Attorney for investigation. Additionally, Erie’s Bishop Lawrence Persico launched an independent investigation through the K&L Gates law firm.
“This is a very difficult time for the Catholic Church,” Persico said, “but we must face the truth. In collaboration with law enforcement, victims are finding their voice and helping us to ensure we are living out the principles we proclaim.”
A representative of the diocese said Port Allegany parishioners were informed of the allegations at Saturday evening Mass.
The organization is asking victims to come forward.
“Pastoral care and compassion for victims, as well as the protection of children and vulnerable adults, is a top priority of the Diocese of Erie,” the diocese said in a statement, which added that it “encourages anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy or any employee or volunteer of the church, to contact law enforcement.”
In addition to law enforcement, people can report abuse to diocese-retained independent investigators at ErieRCD@KLGates.com. People can contact the diocese directly at 814-451-1543. Suspected abuse of minors can also be reported to PA ChildLine at 800-932-0313, a line which is open 24/7 and will accept anonymous calls.
For counseling assistance for victims and/or their families through the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, call Dr. Robert Nelsen 814-451-1521.
Schmitt is just one of several people in the diocese who have been identified recently as people accused of abuse.
In the recently released grand jury report, 14 of the 41 allegedly abusive priests named had connections to Bradford or the local region.
Those named were as follows: Richard Lynch, Samuel Slocum, David Poulson, Robert Hannon, Joseph Jerge, William Presley, Giles Nealen, Salvatore Luzzi, Michael Amy, Jan Olowin, Chester Gawronski, Donald Cooper, Herbert Gloekler and John Philip Schanz.
