RC Priest accused of touching man in hot tub - gets off in all senses of the word

(Original post 6-12-08)

Roman Catholic priest Rev. Frank Murd, 66, is on trial for allegedly touching a 26 year old man in a hot tub at a YMCA at a Toledo, OH suburb.

Testifying in the sexual imposition trial of the Rev. Frank Murd, the victim said the priest joined him in the hot tub about 9:30 p.m. March 18 and began fondling him.The man says he then started to float on his back, which is when Murd started to masturbate the man.

The man said he was shocked so he let it go on for 45 seconds to a minute..The man told Judge James Jensen, who is hearing the case in lieu of a jury, that he was offended by the unsolicited act and informed Father Murd that it was inappropriate. He said the incident lasted no more than a minute."I felt like I had been violated," the victim said.

Murd admitted touching the other man inappropriately, but felt like it had been an accident.

"As I was getting out, I did touch him... by accident and I did apologize to him."

Prosecutors claimed that "[Murd] used the JCC as a playground, a hunting ground to look for his next victim," while the defense claimed that Murd was charged only after the victim found out he was a priest. The bench trial will continue until Friday.

Murd, formarly pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Maumee, resigned after the victim reported the incident to the Sylvania Township police. Murd faces 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for the 3rd degree misdemeanor charge.

(Update 6-13-08) Murd is acquitted of all charges by Lucas County Common Pleas Judge James Jensen.