Diocese receives allegation of sexual abuse against Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan

In a statement dated March 30, 2019, the Diocese of Trenton expressed profound sadness as it announced receiving an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor against Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, who has served as pastor of St. Catharine Parish in Holmdel since 2013.  The alleged abuse dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when Msgr. Vaughan was a parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, Keansburg. This is the first and only allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against Msgr. Vaughan reported to the Diocese.
 
Upon receiving this allegation, the Diocese immediately reported it to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.  Following our own interviews with the victim, the Diocese has determined the allegation to be credible.

As a result of finding the allegation credible, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., removed Msgr. Vaughan from ministry, effective immediately.  The allegation will also be reported to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome.
 
To read the entire statement, click here.
 
The Diocese encourages anyone who has been sexually abused as a minor by a representative of the Church to report the abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and to the Diocese through its abuse hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at [email protected].