Another Virginia Priest Accused of Abuse

VIRGINIA BEACH (VA)
Richmond Times-Dispatch

A Virginia Beach Catholic priest, accused of sexual abuse of a minor, has been placed on administrative leave while the complaint is investigated. The complaint against the Rev. Dwight E. Shrader, pastor of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church since 1989, was made to the Diocese of Richmond on May 7. The Diocesan Sexual Abuse Review Board found the allegation credible and made initial recommendations on June 4. The next day, the Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan, bishop of the Richmond diocese, placed Shrader on administrative leave.

The priest will remain on leave while the allegation is investigated. A diocesan spokesman said the diocese hopes to deal with the case within about a month.

Shrader is the sixth priest in the diocese since May 2002 to be accused of sexual misconduct with a child. In dealing with the five other accused priests, Sullivan barred three from conducting any priestly duties. One is still under investigation, and the fifth was returned to active ministry.