A Catholic priest who served in parishes in Biddeford and Portland has agreed to take a leave of absence from the ministry while the Maine Attorney General’s Office investigates allegations against him.

The Rev. James Nadeau, 51, the pastor for St. John Vianney Parish in Fort Kent, left his post Tuesday.

Nadeau, who has served for the last seven years in Fort Kent, served previously at St. Andre in Biddeford and at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. He was ordained as a priest in 1988.

“In order for the investigation to proceed unimpeded, Father Nadeau has taken a voluntary leave of absence,” Bishop Richard Malone said in a press release issued Tuesday night. “The diocese is cooperating fully with the Attorney General’s Office and at their request, I cannot discuss the allegations or anything about the investigation. I am hopeful that this process will go smoothly in order to lead to an expeditious and just conclusion.”

Brenda Kielty, spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s Office, confirmed that her office is investigating Nadeau.

In a joint release, neither Malone or Kielty specified the nature of the allegations against Nadeau.

“As in any investigation, it’s important to respect the presumption of innocence,” Kielty said. “It’s also important not to jump to conclusions about the nature of the allegations.”

 

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