Virginia Priest Accused of ‘Inappropriate Contact' With Minor, Adults

A Catholic priest in Purcellville, Virginia, is accused of inappropriate contact with a minor and adults, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office says.

The Catholic Diocese of Arlington has placed Father Ronald S. Escalante on leave pending an investigation by the sheriff's office. The Saint Francis de Sales Church riest is accused of "boundary violations involving a minor and adults" that go against its clergy code of conduct, according to a press release from the diocese.

Sheriff's spokesman Kraig Troxell says the diocese reported the possible "inappropriate contact" to authorities. 

The diocese release says Escalante denies the allegations, which are being considered by the Diocesan Review Board.

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