Former Pastor Sentenced In Sexual Abuse Case

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The former pastor of Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Lexington was sentenced to one year in prison Friday in a sexual abuse case.

Father Joseph N. Muench entered an Alford plea in March to one count of first-degree unlawful imprisonment and one count of first-degree criminal attempt to commit sexual abuse An Alford plea is a guilty plea in criminal court, whereby a defendant does not admit the alleged act or acts and asserts their innocence. Under the Alford plea, the defendant admits that sufficient evidence exists with which the prosecution could likely convince a judge or jury to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Franklin Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate sentenced Muench to one year on each of the two counts contained in his plea agreement against him. The sentences are to run concurrently.

“I trust that the judge’s sentence is a just response to the charges that have been brought forward,” said Bishop Ronald W. Gainer, head of the Lexington diocese. “This continues to be a sad and difficult time for the Catholic Church. As bishop, I am saddened and shamed by the ongoing revelations of abuse and the largely inadequate responses in the past. This Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost. I invite all to pray that the power of the Holy Spirit might be released on us in ever more effective ways to renew, restore and heal, especially those who have been so grievously harmed through sexual abuse.”

Three individual instances of sexual misconduct are alleged to have occurred during Muench’s tenure as associate pastor at Good Shepherd Parish, Frankfort, where he served from 1984 to 1986. At the time, the parish belonged to the Diocese of Covington. The Lexington diocese was established in March, 1988.

Muench has been suspended from active ministerial service since he met with Bishop Gainer last July. 2009. The Diocesan Review Board, which examines cases of sexual misconduct or abuse, had recommended the suspension. In accordance with the mandates of the U.S. bishops’ 2002 “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” the diocese informed the commonwealth attorney in Franklin County of the suspension.

Following Muench’s suspension, the bishop launched a canonical investigation into the allegations. When the diocese was informed of the criminal charges, the bishop suspended the canonical investigation on Oct. 22, 2009, pending the resolution of all criminal and civil matters. One of the priest’s accusers has filed a civil suit against the Diocese of Covington.

When it is completed, the findings of the canonical investigation will be presented to the Diocesan Review Board. The board, in turn, will make a recommendation to the bishop. Muench’s ministerial status will be the decision of the bishop. Muench will remain suspended from active ministerial service for the duration of this process.

The diocese says it stands ready to aid the victims of sexual abuse. If anyone has been abused or knows someone who has been abused by church personnel, contact Nelda S. Jackson, victim assistance coordinator for the diocese, (859) 253-1993, ext. 214;

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