Sexual assault charges against former priest from Port Charlotte, Iowa dismissed

DUBUQUE, Iowa – An Iowa judge has dismissed five sexual abuse charges against former Port Charlotte priest Leo P. Riley.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said investigators worked with Dubuque police after allegations of abuse against Riley came to light in May 2023. At the time, Riley was a priest at San Antonio Catholic Church in Port Charlotte.

Dubuque police issued a press release saying four victims came forward claiming Riley sexually abused them between 1984 and 1986 when they were school-age boys serving as altar boys at Resurrection Parish.

According to the Archdiocese of Dubuque, allegations of sexual abuse were made against Riley in 2014.

Riley was extradited to Iowa to face a judge in early April. Court records show the charges were dropped on July 15, but the reason for that is unclear.

Fox 4 has requested further information regarding the dismissal.