A Viennese priest who was accused of sexually abusing a man as a child has been reinstated in his office.

Previously, an independent investigative panel had found insufficient evidence to prosecute Father Denis Bouchard, according to a press release from the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

Bouchard, the former pastor of Queen of the Holy Parish, was placed on leave in 2018 after a man accused Bouchard of sexual abuse as a child.

In a civil lawsuit filed in 2019, a jury found in Bouchard’s favor on charges of assault, battery, and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on the plaintiff.

However, they did not conclude that Bouchard had been defamed by the plaintiff’s allegations.

“The investigation is now complete, Father Bouchard is no longer on leave…” the press release states. “Father Bouchard will return to his provincial headquarters and receive a new assignment.”

21 News has contacted the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter for further information.