Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A pastor with the Knoxville Diocese has been placed on administrative leave after being accused of “boundary violations.”
Father Joseph Reed is a Knoxville native and the pastor for St. John Neumann Catholic Church and School.
Though the specifics of the allegations against Reed have not been outlined, a letter sent out by the Diocese Friday to parishioners says Reed has been placed on leave as part of the diocese’s Safe Environment Policy.
Diocesan officials add that the complaints have been forwarded to the state which has prompted an investigation, after which the diocese itself is planning to conduct its own internal review.
Both the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and The Tennessee Department of Child Services have confirmed their respective agencies are also investigating.
