A former Episcopal priest is now heading to trial on charges that he molested two boys.
Ralph Johnson, 82, went before a district justice Tuesday afternoon in Susquehanna County and court papers reveal new information about the prosecution's case against him.
The former Episcopal priest was first charged a month ago after a man came forward and said he was abused as a boy. Another alleged victim then came forward.
Now, both cases against Ralph Johnson are heading to trial.
Court papers state Johnson was pastor of a church in New York state in the early 1990s when he took what he called a "troubled" boy to his home in Susquehanna County near Gibson.
Police said the priest told the 11 year old's parents he was helping the child on weekends. Instead, police said, Johnson molested the boy numerous times over a four-year period.
Johnson was arrested last month. The mother of a special-needs boy came forward after she saw that on the news, saying her boy was also abused.
"Already one victim has come forward," said defense attorney John Petorak. When asked if there is concern about other victims coming forward he added, "That's always the concern, but I can't prevent it."
Johnson's lawyer spoke after the hearing in Clifford. Johnson was heard apologizing to his attorney as the two left court.
"Sorry to make you do this," Johnson said.
"That's OK. I'll be in touch with you," Petorak responded.
"I hope so," said Johnson.
The former pastor gave up his right to a hearing. He didn't contest that the prosecution has enough evidence for trial. The next step is either that trial or a plea.
"At this point, it's a little early to decide but whatever is the easiest is the route that we'll be taking," Petorak added.
The Episcopal Church said Ralph Johnson was defrocked as a priest several years ago.
In court papers he admitted to some of the sexual claims made against him.
No date has been set for a possible trial in Susquehanna County.
Ralph Johnson, 82, went before a district justice Tuesday afternoon in Susquehanna County and court papers reveal new information about the prosecution's case against him.
The former Episcopal priest was first charged a month ago after a man came forward and said he was abused as a boy. Another alleged victim then came forward.
Now, both cases against Ralph Johnson are heading to trial.
Court papers state Johnson was pastor of a church in New York state in the early 1990s when he took what he called a "troubled" boy to his home in Susquehanna County near Gibson.
Police said the priest told the 11 year old's parents he was helping the child on weekends. Instead, police said, Johnson molested the boy numerous times over a four-year period.
Johnson was arrested last month. The mother of a special-needs boy came forward after she saw that on the news, saying her boy was also abused.
"Already one victim has come forward," said defense attorney John Petorak. When asked if there is concern about other victims coming forward he added, "That's always the concern, but I can't prevent it."
Johnson's lawyer spoke after the hearing in Clifford. Johnson was heard apologizing to his attorney as the two left court.
"Sorry to make you do this," Johnson said.
"That's OK. I'll be in touch with you," Petorak responded.
"I hope so," said Johnson.
The former pastor gave up his right to a hearing. He didn't contest that the prosecution has enough evidence for trial. The next step is either that trial or a plea.
"At this point, it's a little early to decide but whatever is the easiest is the route that we'll be taking," Petorak added.
The Episcopal Church said Ralph Johnson was defrocked as a priest several years ago.
In court papers he admitted to some of the sexual claims made against him.
No date has been set for a possible trial in Susquehanna County.
