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Cincinnati Priest Placed on Leave as Sheriff's Office Probes Parish Computer Use

A worker repurposing a parish computer reported access to 'concerning' websites to church officials, prompting a referral to law enforcement.

Overview

  • The Archdiocese of Cincinnati says a computer used by Father Ed Burns showed possible access to 'concerning' websites, including pornography, discovered during repurposing.
  • The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office confirmed an active investigation and is examining the device, with no additional details released.
  • Prosecutor Connie Pillich's office received the archdiocese's notification on Aug. 28 and forwarded it to the sheriff the same day.
  • Burns was placed on administrative leave and is barred from parish offices and school campuses pending the outcome of the review, which the archdiocese says is not a presumption of guilt.
  • Parishioners report limited information about his removal, have contacted child-protection advocates for guidance, and note heightened scrutiny in the wake of recent diocesan controversies.