COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN) -- A former New Albany pastor has taken his own life, a little more than a month after the Diocese of Columbus put him on administrative leave.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and police in New Lexington were investigating Father James Csaszar after what the Diocese calls "excessive and questionable text and telephone communications with a minor" as well as a possible misuse of church funds.
Before becoming pastor at the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany, Fr. Csaszar was pastor at St. Rose Church in New Lexington.
In a statement, the Diocese says, "We are reminded throughout sacred scripture that God our Father is loving, merciful, compassionate and forgiving. We also know that in his years of priestly ministry Fr. Csaszar did many good things for the people that he served in his parish assignments. And so we ask that everyone pray for Father Csaszar, his family, friends, and parishioners during this most difficult time."