An Ohio priest has been indicted on federal charges including sex trafficking of a minor, sexual exploitation of children and transportation of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment names Robert, 40, a former parochial vicar in Strongsville. CNN reports that prosecutors allege he posed as a woman on social media to contact minor boys and pressured them to send explicit images. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also alleges he threatened to share the images with family and friends and that some of the alleged victims were boys he knew through his work in parishes. Robert has not been convicted of anything, an indictment is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. CNN’s report did not include a response from his attorney.
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland said it was made aware of the indictment on Thursday. In a statement, the diocese thanked law enforcement and asked for prayers for justice and healing for anyone harmed by abuse. Robert was arrested in December 2019 on allegations involving child pornography, and the diocese placed him on administrative leave right away. At that time, Bishop Nelson Perez said the diocese was ready to cooperate with law enforcement and was committed to the safety of children.
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