Franciscan Father Kevin J. Downey, a priest of the Franciscan
Friars of the Holy Name Province, has been placed on
administrative leave pending investigation of an allegation
of sexual misconduct involving a male minor in 1990 in
another state. The investigation is in its early phases and
no final determination has been made regarding the
allegation.
Father Downey denies the accusation. Like all priests,
diocesan employees and volunteers who work with children, he
underwent an official background check prior to beginning his
service in the Diocese of Arlington.
Law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the incident is
alleged to have occurred has been notified and the diocese
and the Holy Name Province will cooperate fully with any law
enforcement investigation.
Father Downey has served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi
Church in Triangle since 2011. Previously, he served as
pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J., from 2002
to 2011, as pastor of St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany,
N.Y., from 1999 to 2001, as parochial vicar of St. Mary’s
Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J., from 1993 to 1999, and as
parochial vicar at St. Francis Church in Raleigh, N.C., from
1991 to 1993. He served as executive vice president and vice
president for development at Quincy University in Illinois
from 1983 to 1991.
Franciscan Father John F. O’Connor has been appointed as
parochial administrator of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
The diocese encourages anyone who knows of any information
related to this case, or of any misconduct or abuse on the
part of any cleric or employee of the diocese, to notify
civil authorities, as well as to reach out to the diocesan
victim assistance coordinators at 703/841-2530.
The diocesan child protection policy is online at arlingtondiocese.org.
