The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services is investigating two complaints of “boundary violations” against East Tennessee Catholic priests, officials said.
The two priests have been placed on administrative leave following the unrelated complaints, according to a Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville spokesperson.
One case, announced recently in a letter to parishioners, involves the Knoxville-area priest Joseph Reed, who has held important leadership roles in the diocese.
In a letter to parishioners, diocese spokesperson John Mecklenborg said the diocese presumes innocence, and that after it learned of a complaint against Reed, it reported it to state authorities, in line with diocese policies.
Children’s services spokesperson Ashley Zarach said by email that the agency is investigating the case. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office also has an active investigation into the case, spokesperson Kimberly Glenn said by email.