A Catholic priest was placed on administrative leave Thursday, after allegations he sexually abused a minor.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus said the accusations against Reverend Thomas Brosmer, 68, date back to his time at the Saint Nicholas Parish in Zanesville from 1969-1973. Diocese officials said that they reported the allegations to police and placed Brosmer on administrative leave on July 2.
Church officials said that the Diocesan Board of Review determined that the allegation was credible and warranted further investigation on July 5. Officials stressed that a finding of credibility was not proof of guilt.
This was the first time the Diocese of Columbus has received such an allegation against Bromser. Father Brosmer has been the priest of the Diocese of Columbus since 1969, where he preached and taught.
According to a statement from the Diocese, Bromser's other assignments included:
- Teacher, Bishop Rosecrans High School, Zanesville, Ohio from 1969-1973
- Assistant Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church, Dennison, Ohio from 1973-1976
- Teacher, Central Catholic High School, New Philadelphia, Ohio from 1973-1976
- Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Grove City, Ohio from 1976-1979
- Teacher, Bishop Ready High School, Columbus from 1976-1979
- Pastor, St. Agnes, Columbus from 1979-1986
- Pastor, St. Matthew Church, Gahanna, Ohio from 1986-1990
- Associate Pastor, St. Philip the Apostle Church, Columbus from 1990-1993
- Associate Pastor, St. Brendan Church, Hilliard, Ohio from 1993-2000
- Associate Pastor, St. Michael Church, Worthington, Ohio from 2000-2004
- Associate Pastor, St. Cecilia Church, Columbus from 2004-2012
The diocese encouraged anyone who has experienced sexual abuse by a person associated with the church to come forward. Those wishing to report experiences should contact the Victim's Assistance Coordinator at 614-224-2251, 866-448-0217, or at helpisavailable@colsdioc.org.
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