Group Protests Priest Over Sex Abuse Allegations

Members of a support group called SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) protested at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral on Tuesday.

They want Cincinnati's Archbishop Dennis Schnurr to denounce or discipline Father Robert Poandl, who they claim sexually abused at least two boys.

"We're not here to start a fight with the Cincinnati Archbishop, but to work cooperatively and call on them to do as much as they can to reach out to other victims of Father Poandl," said SNAP president Daniel Frondorf.

Poandl is accused of sexually abusing a boy from Georgia. Glenmary Home Missioners, a Catholic society of priests and brothers, confirmed those allegations according to a press release on its Web site.

"The alleged abuse is said to have occurred nearly 30 years ago. Father Poandl has denied the allegation," read the statement.

After learning of the allegation, Glenmary decided to relieve Poandl from his duties, and he is not allowed to publicly function as a Catholic priest during the investigation process.

Members with SNAP said that punishment is not enough.

"We want him put in a secure treatment facility where they can be monitored and liberties curtailed," added Frondorf.

This is not the first time Poandl has been accused of sexual abuse. Two years ago he was indicted in West Virginia after a 28-year-old Cincinnati man claimed Poandl had molested him. A judge threw out the case because the accuser failed to comply with a court order.

SNAP officials said a similar protest event was held in Atlanta, Ga. because that's where Poandl was most recently assigned.

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