SALISBURY — Father Richard Farwell, a diocesan priest most recently serving in ministry outside the Diocese of Charlotte, turned himself in to Rowan County authorities Aug. 7. He was charged with allegedly taking indecent liberties with a minor. He was released on a $3,000 bond, and is represented by private counsel.
Father Farwell had been serving in ministry outside the diocese [at his request] since 2000. Specifically, he worked in ministry with Food for the Poor in Deerfield Beach, Fla.
In April, Food for the Poor fired Father Farwell following receipt of an allegation of sexual misconduct filed in Rowan County. At that time, the Diocese of Charlotte placed
Father Farwell on administrative leave. Removing a priest from active ministry is standard policy for the diocese in cases of alleged sexual misconduct.
In February 1999, the alleged victim made an allegation that Father Richard Farwell had molested him once 19 years ago when the alleged victim was between 10 and 12 years of age. Father Farwell denied the charge and the alleged victim was informed. The diocese sought to verify the claim; the alleged victim would not purse the claim stating he did not want his name publicly revealed.
In April of this year, the Diocese of Charlotte received a letter from the alleged victim’s mother stating her son was now ready to come forth. The diocese then contacted the alleged victim to verify the information was received from his mother. In accordance with diocesan policy, the incident was reported to the Rowan County Department of Social Services and also referred to a diocesan committee for review.
Father Farwell, ordained in 1981, served parishes in Charlotte, Salisbury, and had been pastor in Lincolnton prior to his leave to serve outside the diocese.
— Joann Keane, Catholic News Herald