OWENSBORO, Ky. - The Diocese of Owensboro is recommending permanent suspension for Fr. Joseph Edward Bradley, who has been on temporary suspension since March 1. Fr. Bradley, a longtime priest at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Henderson, Kentucky, also served as team chaplain for both the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky, while the teams were coached by Rick Pitino.

The diocese received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor on February 26, 2019. The claim dated back to the early 1980's and the Diocesan Review Board found it credible and therefore temporarily suspended Fr. Bradley while it investigated further.  The allegation was also immediately reporterd to the Commonwealth's Attorney.  A second allegation was reported on March 4 and it was also reported to the Commonwealth's Attorney.

The Diocesan Review Board , a 12-member group mandated to investigate such claims, took on the investigation.  After interviewing several people and reviewing a report from an independent investigator, the board made a recommendation to Bishop William Medley of the Diocese.  

“I have accepted the counsel of the Diocesan Review Board that they believe these allegations have been substantiated,” said Bishop Medley.

Bishop Medley now submits a report to the Vatican recommending that Fr. Bradley's temporary suspension from the church be made permanent.  Fr. Bradley, who maintains his innocence, remains suspended during this process and will remain so until the Vatican gives a final decision.

Bishop Medley added, “We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct by anyone acting in the name of the Church. We stand ready to offer support to anyone who has ever been harmed.”