Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, July 7, 2008 Monroe priest on leave over allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor By Yoshiaki Nohara Herald Writer MONROE – A priest at St. Mary of the Valley has been placed on administrative leave while investigators look into an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor, the Seattle Archdiocese reported today. The accusation against the Rev. Michael OBrien stems from the late 1960s. OBrien, who has been with the Monroe Catholic church since 1999, was also put on leave in 2004 due to another sexual-abuse allegation involving a minor. He returned to the church after the Archdiocese cleared him of the allegation from 1993. The current investigation will be conducted thoroughly, Archbishop Alex J. Brunett said in a statement. “Based upon the findings, I will either reinstate Father OBrien as pastor or continue his administrative leave pending action by the Vatican,” Brunett said. Archbishop Brunett urged anyone who has knowledge of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Seattle to call the Archdiocesan Hotline at 1-800-446-7762.

1. Boeing Machinists vote to strike; union leaders say wait 2. Grim task of investigating Skagit County killings 3. 2 Lake Stevens schools in lockdown 4. Marysville-Pilchuck out of lockdown; man arrested nearby 5. New Glacier Peak High School dubbed 'pretty rad' 6. Boeing Machinists’ strike deferred 7. County Council says it was denied access to budget 8. Lockdown lifted at Lake Stevens schools 9. Don't miss out on settlement's payout 10. Couple's roadside lunch interrupted by attempted burglary 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Bringing the world to Edmonds • FEMA turns to media to improve public image • Annexation's frustrations • A run for Charlotte • Annexation's frustrations • Minimalist food bars have local flavor • E-W aims for fifth straight league title • Wildcats moving forward • Terrace approves stormwater rate hike • Leisure Time Events - September 2008 • September 2008 • State needs to establish north county campus to meet growing technology ... • Future software programs may be based online • Visit two unusual Paine Field aviation museums for historic and futurist ... • Mothers launch Kids ‘N’ Clay pottery studio to provide children with cre ... • AWB elections Web site debuts • Construction begins on Korry Electronics’ plant