Jul 4, 2002 By Frances Zajac 4 min read

The Greensburg Catholic Diocese claims it took action quickly against the Rev. Gregory Premoshis, the former Geibel High School president, when it learned of allegations against him of sexual misconduct. The Rev. Premoshis, Greensburg Bishop Anthony Bosco and the foundation which supports Geibel High School, are being sued by Charles Hartz Jr., 38, a former Connellsville resident, who now lives in Holland, Mich.

Hartz, the son of former Connellsville District Justice Charles “Chappy’ Hartz, claims that the Rev. Premoshis repeatedly got him drunk and molested him and church and school officials allowed it to happen.

Angela Burrows, director of InfoMedia for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg, denied that church officials were involved in any coverup.

“Once we became aware of the allegations, we acted immediately,’ said Burrows. Bishop Bosco was not available for comment.

Burrows said the diocese first became aware of the allegations regarding Rev. Premoshis in March 2002 when Hartz came forward.

“It was not reported until March and we had to allow time for the process. Whenever he called the diocese, we began the process,’ she said.

The allegations were not mentioned in Rev. Premoshis’ file, said Burrows. She noted that the diocese had just completed a file review of diocesan priests after an allegation made against another priest led officials to discover another allegation reported in his file.

In all, the diocese revealed more than 100 files of active and retired priests in the diocese. The file review was going on at the same time that other dioceses around the country were conducting their own file reviews of clergy sexual misconduct involving minors.

Burrows said once the diocese became aware of the allegations against the Rev. Premoshis, “Our investigative policy kicked in and once they were substantiated, Father Premoshis was removed and placed on leave.’

Specifically, Burrows reported the diocese became aware of the allegations on March 15 and placed Rev. Premoshis on leave March 19.

A four-month investigation was conducted before the diocese permanently barred Rev. Premoshis from public ministry on July 11.

The process included an investigation by the diocesan review board, which consists of four lay people and a member of the clergy.

Burrows said, “Once the review board reviewed the case, they recommended Father Premoshis be barred from public ministry and Bishop Bosco accepted that recommendation. That was in July.’

The diocese made a public announcement in July that it had permanently barred an active priest from public ministry and representing himself in public as a priest, but did not name the priest at the time. Burrows confirmed Friday it was Rev. Premoshis. She said the diocese revealed the name because it has become public knowledge through the lawsuit.

Rev. Premoshis was the second active priest to be banned from public ministry by the diocese this year. The first case involved a 54-year-old priest who had been working outside the diocese as a military chaplain. He has not been named by the diocese.

Burrows said that names of priests being interviewed by the diocese for sexual misconduct have not been revealed because the diocese wanted to protect the confidentiality of the issue.

In all, the diocese has investigated eight cases of clergy sexual misconduct against minors this year, involving old allegations that go back as far as 1962. The diocese earlier prohibited two retired priests from doing public parish work. Three other cases were determined not to have merit or could not be pursued.

The Rev. Premoshis and the military chaplain, both active priests, were permanently banned from the ministry. Another case regarding an active priest is still pending.

Burrows also said summaries of the eight cases were turned over to Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck.

Burrows said a letter was sent to parents of Geibel High School students, explaining that Rev. Premoshis had been placed on leave, but no further information was revealed because the diocese was investigating the allegations.