Priest Who Served in Fayette County Removed from Duties

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Published on September 13 2018 11:05 am
Last Updated on September 13 2018 11:55 am
Written by Greg Sapp

A priest who ministered in Fayette County has been removed from ministry.

An Associated Press story indicates the priest was removed after church officials say he misused money from two parishes and pornography was found among his possessions.

The Springfield diocese says Rev. Barry Harmon went on medical leave last October from Mother of Dolors Parish in Vandalia and St. Joseph Parish in Ramsey. The diocese says reviews found Harmon misappropriated up to $29,000 from the parishes and was to repay the money.

Diocese officials say Vandalia police determined no child pornography was involved, but that Harmon was charged in July with drunken driving.

Bishop Thomas Paprocki says in a statement that Harmon has agreed to voluntarily seek removal from the priesthood.