PARMA -- An Eparchy of Parma priest has been placed on leave amid an accusation of sexual misconduct that allegedly occurred 35 years ago.
Father Basil Hutsko, of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma, has denied the accusation that allegedly occurred against a minor years ago.
Officials have determined the accusation to be credible, according to a statement on the church's website.
The statement also said Hutsko, 64, made a false report claiming he was attacked at St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Merrillville, Indiana, where he previously served. The Chicago Tribune reported that Hutsko claimed he was assaulted and knocked unconscious the morning of Aug. 20. That incident never occurred, according to the church.
The latest allegation is not the first against Hutsko, who was also accused of abuse in 2004, according to the Chicago Tribune. That accusation stemmed from 1979 to 1983, according to a woman who claimed Hutsko abused her child during that time. The church determined there was no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Hutsko has previously served at St. Mary in Cleveland, St. Barbara in Dayton, St. Basil inSterling Heights, Michigan, St. Mary in Marblehead and St. Michael in Merrillville, Indiana. He is not permitted to serve as a priest anywhere while he is under suspension.