Sex Abuse Charges Dismissed Against Priest in Roane County

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ROANE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- All sexual abuse and assault charges against a priest from Cincinnati who was expected to go on trial Monday have been dropped.

Reverend Robert Poandl was indicted on the charges in February.

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Police in Cincinnati say a 28-year-old man came forward and claimed that Poandl molested him on a trip to Spencer back in 1991 when he was just 10 years old. At the time, Poandl was filling in at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Rectory in Roane County.

According to Roane County Prosecutor Josh Downey, the judge dismissed the case late Friday afternoon.

Downey tells WSAZ.com the judge ruled there were discovery issues that related to the medical records of the victim. The charges cannot be refiled in Roane County, according to the judge's ruling.

The state now has 90 days to decide whether it wants to take the case to the West Virginia Supreme Court. Downey says he is currently considering the matter, but has not made a decision on how the state will respond to the judge's order.

Statement from Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests (SNAP)
"We hope this will be appealed to the West Virginia Supreme Court. It’s important that the truth of what happened gets to be aired in open court.

We know this victim and family. They are very credible and caring. This brave young man and his loved ones should be commended for coming forward quickly and having the courage and wisdom to contact law enforcement.

Regardless of whatever happens in the justice system, this victim has taken a key step toward healing himself and protecting other kids."

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the very latest information.

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