Antiochian Archdiocese: Convicted Sex Offender “Testing the Waters” For Return?

See also: Antiochian Priest to be Arraigned

He served 75 days out of a two-year sentence by waiving a jury trial and getting a sympathetic judge who gave him 90 days.

Via the Telegram:

Rev. Abdelahad was sentenced to serve 90 days of a two-year jail term at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction after being convicted in May of abusing a 45-year-old woman during counseling sessions held over a three-year period at the Anna Street church.

He was specifically found guilty of one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a shod foot) and one count of assault and battery for biting her. Eight other charges were dismissed.

Rev. Abdelahad was scheduled to remain incarcerated until Aug. 28 but was released 15 days earlier because of good behavior.

Mr. O’Regan said the priest was spotted at St. George Antiochan Church in Norwood and St. John of Damascus Orthodox Church in Dedham.

He said Rev. Abdelahad — wearing clerical garb — has been seen singing with the choirs and taking part in worship service in an area around the altar that is restricted to priests.

“We think he and church officials are testing the waters,” said Mr. O’Regan. “The next thing he’ll be doing is giving homilies and distributing Communion.”

He said SNAP objects to the priest’s return to ministry because the victim “deserves some peace of mind” and out of concern about other women in the churches who may be around Rev. Abdelahad.

“For this convicted, violent criminal to have any title or position or appearance of power and legitimacy is problematic,” said Mr. O’Regan.

He said sex offenders take advantage of any role they are given to get close to other victims.