Priest in Toledo Diocese accused of sex abuse of a minor

A Catholic priest serving in the Toledo DIocese has been placed on administrative leave.

Father Nelson Beaver is accused of sexual abuse of a minor 25 years ago.

Fr. Beaver has been pastor in parishes in Mansflield and Lexington but the charges do not relate to those parishes. Beaver has denied the allegations.

Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Toledo Diocese said through a written statement, "We take every allegation of abuse of a minor with the utmost seriousness. Administrative leave is a first, precautionary step that safeguards and protects children.."

The Montpelier Police Department posted the following on its Facebook page, following the allegations:

"The Catholic Diocese of Toledo reported to the Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman that an allegation has been made that Reverend Nelson G. Beaver sexually abused a child over 25 years ago. The Diocese reported that this was alleged to have occurred while Father Beaver was stationed at Sacred Heart Church in Montpelier, Ohio.

The Williams County Prosecutor's Office and the Montpelier Police Department are reviewing the matter and will open an investigation. If any person has information about this offense or other alleged offenses, the Prosecutor and Police Department ask any such person to contact the Montpelier Police Department at (419) 485-3121.

A press release from the Diocese of Toledo indicates that Father Beaver has been placed on administrative leave from his assignment to two parishes in Mansfield, Ohio. Father Beavers is prohibited from exercising public priestly ministry while the allegation is being investigated."

Claudia Vercelloti with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says she is not surprised about this latest allegation.

Vercelloti asks, “When did the Toledo Catholic Diocese know?”

The Diocese is “feeling the reverberations of Pennsylvania loudly and clearly,” she added.

The matter has been turned over to Toledo Police