Kyiesha blog

3 Philly priests named in sex report are suspended

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia archdiocese has suspended three priests accused in a scathing grand jury report of being child molesters and has pledged to reopen complaints made against 34 others still on the job.

Joseph Gallagher, Stephen Perzan and Joseph DiGregorio are being removed from ministry while their cases are reviewed. Gallagher has no listed phone number; Perzan and DiGregorio haven't returned messages.

A city grand jury last week charged four current or former priests and a teacher with raping boys in the 1990s or endangering children by covering up the crimes.

Cardinal Justin Rigali says former child abuse prosecutor Gina Smith will examine the complaints made against the 34 active priests. Church investigators previously said they couldn't substantiate the allegations.

Smith is a veteran of the Philadelphia district attorney's office, which issued last week's grand jury report.