CHARLOTTE — There are multiple complaints about a Charlotte priest being "very touchy" with kids at church.
[5 clergy who worked in Charlotte Diocese on list of allegations of abuse]
Father Patrick Hoare has been on administrative leave since December 2019 from St. Matthew Catholic Church.
That was when a man in Pennsylvania came forward with claims that Hoare sexually abused him 25 years ago when the accuser was a child.
The Charlotte Diocese said its review board has heard three complaints about Hoare.
People said they saw him hug kids, rub their shoulders and be “very touchy” in group settings at St. Matthew and St. John Neumann parishes.
The review board said the incidents do not constitute as sexual abuse, but the board raised questions about Hoare's judgment saying he violated boundaries.
The diocese has not said when it happened or when the complaints were made.
Hoare will stay on administrative leave and be allowed to appeal the decision.
Bishop Peter Jugis sent parishioners a letter Wednesday asking for prayers and support during this difficult time.
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