A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark has confirmed that an assistant pastor at a South Orange church has been removed after allegations he sexually assaulted two minors in the early 1980's.
According to officials, Rev. Michael Walters, 60, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Sorrows, denies that allegations but through mutual agreement with the archdiocese left back in October.
One of the accusers, David Ohlmuller, 46, claims the priest fondled him in a confessional on at least 10 separate occasions in 1982, kissed him on the lips and gave him wine at the church, when he was an altar boy and a student at St. Cassian School.
Through the years, Ohlmuller claims has battled with anxiety, depression and substance abuse problems.
The second accuser - only described as a woman now in her mid-40s - claims was molested by Walters in her Montclair home and on a trip to Pennsylvania, when she was 13 and 14 years old.
The woman's attorney plans on filing a separate lawsuits on behalf of his clients if settlements cannot be reached.
Church officials claim that the removal of Walters was delayed because of lack of details from the accuser since he declined to speak with a review board.
Under the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, priests are typically suspended from ministry after an accusation is made, regardless of its merit.
Photo: Newark Archdiocese